Last week, we announced this year’s FYA Teen Heartthrob Madness and voted Mr. Jordan Rodrigues in as our wildcard. But since it’s now March (rabbit, rabbit), the time has come for the real action to begin. Over the next few days, we’ll be presenting hard scientific evidence (i.e., some really fabulous photos) for you to peruse while making your votes for the hottest and the hearthrobbiest of the teen idols in this year’s contest.
Before we get to the polls, here’s the interactive Tiger Beat bracket:
And now, the contenders!
(1) Justin Timberlake vs. (16) Neil Patrick Harris
To be honest, my first ‘NSYNC love was Lance Bass. But as I got a little older, when Justin’s bleach blonde curls started calling my name, I shifted my allegiances and have never looked back. (Sorry Lance. I think you’ve done OK for yourself.) Even now that’s he’s grown and much more dapper, I still have hope that the curls will make a resurgence one day. NPH is adorable, and he’s certainly grown up to be quite nice to look at (even in tighty whiteys), but I want to pinch baby NPH’s cheeks rather than smooch them.
(8) Jonathan Taylor Thomas vs. (9) JC Chasez
I’m pretty sure my best friend in middle school had this picture of JTT on her wall, and although I never quite understood her love of him, he was definitely the dreamiest of the three Taylor siblings. And although JC was my third pick from the ‘NSYNC lineup, his voice was always my favorite. It’s really too bad his solo career never took off.
(5) Christian Slater vs. (12) Jake Gyllenhaal
I was slightly too young to jump on the Christian Slater bandwagon, but I can understand his pale, bad-boy appeal. I was just the right age, however, to watch October Sky and fall hard and fast for the young Jake Gyllenhaal (even with his terrible hair).
(4) Luke Perry vs. (13) Michael J. Fox
I was also a little too young (or slightly too over-parented?) to be able to watch Beverly Hills, 90210, so I never really got to know Luke in his prime. But man, oh, man, I watched the three Back to the Future movies multiple times (on VHS!), and knew that Michael had something special. Plus, even though I was a free-spirit, there was something appealing about straight-laced Alex P. Keaton.
(6) Jason Priestley vs. (11) Tyrese
Like I said above, I never watched the original 90210 (or the recent remake, but I digress). But if I had, I think I would have chosen Brandon over Dylan, solely for those luscious locks. (Was Brandon vs. Dylan a thing? I have no idea.) But dayum, son, Tyrese’s muscles. ‘Nuff said, amirite?
(3) Taylor Kitsch vs. (14) John Cusack
I’m going to lose some serious FYA cred for revealing this, but I only recently started watching Friday Night Lights. So until recently, I never quite understood the appeal of Tim Riggins. I do know that he’s Major Business around these parts, however, so I think y’all know all about him and his many fine qualities. On the other hand, John is a classic, so this this a hard one for me. There are only so many people who will give you their heart in exchange for a pen and who can look that good in a trenchcoat while making a grand gesture.
(7) Usher vs. (10) Penn Badgley
I’m sorry—regardless of looks, in a battle between an entitled rich kid and a guy with serious dance moves, the guy with the moves will win every time. (Even if he did hang out with Justin Bieber.) Plus, Usher’s abs totally win over Penn’s penchant for the deep-V tee.
(2) Joshua Jackson vs. (15) Joey Lawrence
There’s something about the sidekick that gets the girl (even when he has a severe lapse in judgement and sleeps with his teacher). On Dawson’s Creek, Joshua grew from awkward duckling (see what I did there?) into leading man material, and it was easy to see why Joey picked him in the end. And speaking of Joey, the other Joey proves there can be exceptions to the whole “no one can pull off vests with no shirts” rule. Whoa indeed.
That’s all for today! Check back tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday for the rest of the matchups. Be sure to cast your votes for the entirety of Round One by this Saturday (March 7) at midnight; we’ll post the results Sunday.
Before we go, I have to know: Do any of these guys have the star power to go all the way? Let’s discuss in the comments below!