Jeff Timmons Reveals Why 98 Degrees Made a 'Conscious Decision' to Not Dance: 'We Were a True Vocal Group'

Jack IrvinWed, May 27, 2026 at 7:55 PM UTC

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(from left) Jeff Timmons, Drew Lachey, Nick Lachey and Justin Jeffre of 98 Degrees in December 1998
Credit: Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty -

Jeff Timmons revealed 98 Degrees prioritized vocals over dancing, inspired by groups like Boyz II Men and Jodeci

The group’s fan base preferred their focus on harmonies and love songs over choreography like Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC

Timmons shared that while 98 Degrees incorporates some movement now, their performances remain centered on singing

Why did 98 Degrees never dance as much as their boy band contemporaries?

The "Because of You" group's founder Jeff Timmons opened up about why 98 Degrees chose to focus more on vocals than dancing in a new video interview with journalist Dory Jackson published on Wednesday, May 17.

Timmons, 53, explained the group made a "conscious decision" to not dance because "there weren't really groups that were doing that" at the time of 98 Degrees' rise to fame. "I guess Boyz II Men did dance a little, but they had ballads, right? We fell in love with their ballads," he said. "We were a true vocal group who was inspired by Four Tops and Four Seasons. And then the more R&B groups like Jodeci and Shai and Boyz II Men."

"They all didn't dance, they just crooned. And so we didn't really think that was a necessity, so we didn't practice it. And I just don't have the skillset for it," added Timmons, a longtime member of 98 Degrees alongside Nick Lachey, Justin Jeffre and Drew Lachey.

Timmons noted that Drew "can dance," while "the other guys can somewhat move a little bit," but they ultimately "had to make a conscious decision" to remain focused on vocals over dancing "when we started trying to dance like the other groups."

"It didn't translate," he recalled. "Our fan base didn't like it when we came out and started trying it. They're like, ‘Just stick to what you guys know. You guys sing the love songs and the mid-tempo stuff. Leave the dancing and all the cool moves up to Backstreet and *NSYNC.’"

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When 98 Degrees performs together these days, however, "We do dance a little bit in the shows," said Timmons. "We move around, but not like that."

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98 Degrees
Credit: Trevor Paul

Ultimately, "we just like to sing the love songs," noted Timmons. "That's what we fell in love with. And really, everybody's a good vocalist, and we like to talk about the harmony and the different kinds of things that might set us apart — although those other groups are amazing, incredible singers."

98 Degrees released its latest album, Full Circle, in May 2025. The group played its most recent shows last year.

Earlier this year, Timmons spoke candidly about his experiences in 98 Degrees amid the rise of boy bands like Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, Boys II Men and more in the ID documentary series Boy Band Confidential.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”