Nick Lachey

Lachey was born on the border of Kentucky and Virginia in Harlan, Kentucky to Cate Fopma-Leimbach and John Lachey. Growing up in Ohio, he attended Cincinnati's well-regarded public School for Creative and Performing Arts, developing his vocal talent and aspiring to become an entertainer. After graduation, he began studying at Miami University in Ohio, majoring in sports medicine. He also became a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. While there, he realized his dream and followed his SCPA pals to Los Angeles. Lachey with his friend Jeff Timmons plus his brother Drew Lachey and classmate Justin Jeffre all auditioned in Hollywood and formed the 1990s boy band 98 Degrees.

Lachey was a member of the band 98 Degrees. Other band members were his brother Drew Lachey, Justin Jeffre and Jeff Timmons. 98 Degrees have released 4 albums to date. Their debut album was the self-titled 98 Degrees, however the band's first real success came with their follow up album 98 Degrees and Rising. Other albums include This Christmas and Revelation. In 2002, they released a compilation album "The Collection", and at that point 98 Degrees has sold over 10 million records.

Currently the group is on hiatus with each member pursuing personal interests. They are expected to start work on their next album later this year.

As of 2006, both Nick Lachey and former bandmate Jeff Timmons have stated that their group, 98 Degrees, will have another album in the near future. According to sources, after Nick Lachey and Jeff Timmons both release their sophomore solo albums, 98 Degrees will be working on their next album.

Nick Lachey married fellow pop star Jessica Simpson in October 2002. The pair had dated for four years, however they had a five month break up, but remained in contact. They had both had a series of failures in the music industry: Lachey faded off the map after 98 Degrees, and Simpson had low sales in both albums Irresistible and In This Skin. They needed some heavy promotion to push their careers further and Simpson's father, Joe Simpson, had the idea for a reality show that followed their newly married life together.

Newlyweds premiered on MTV in August of 2003 to a huge amount of viewers and recognition. The outrageous quotes, hilarious lifestyle, and mega-spending of the young couple made Newlyweds a phenomenon. Many famous moments included Simpson confusing tuna and chicken, and thinking that buffalos had wings. The couple was sprung straight back into the spotlight. Upon the success of the duo, Simpson re-released her album In This Skin. It quickly became a hit, reaching triple platinum status.

SoulO released on November 11, 2003 was his first solo album. Despite being released during the success of Newlyweds, the album was a commercial failure and received poor reviews.^{[citation needed]} He released two singles from the album: "This I Swear" (the theme song from Newlyweds) and "Shut Up", a pop track featured in Newlyweds as Lachey was making the video. The making of the music Video for "Shut Up" was chronicled on the show Making the video, and it stared Dax Shepard of Punk'd fame.

In 2005, rumors circulated that Lachey was back in the studio after SoulO underperformed.^{[citation needed]} Lachey soon confirmed that he was indeed back in the studio for a second solo album, entitled What's Left of Me. The album was released on May 9, 2006, by Jive records.

What's Left of Me released on May 9, 2006, was his sophomore solo album. The album's title track, "What's Left of Me," was the first single and quickly became a hit, reaching a peak position of #6 on the Billboard Hot 100. The subsequent album of the same name was released in May of 2006, and debuted at # 2 on the Billboard 200 chart, once again thrusting Lachey back into the spotlight. The album was certified gold in June 2006. Also in June, the single "What's Left of Me" hit #1 on Billboard's Hot Dance Airplay. quickly after the release of the album's first single, What's Left of Me, on February 21, 2006, the media fired up speculation that the song's lyrics were about Lachey's divorce with Jessica Simpson. In the single's music video, Vanessa Minnillo, the MTV VJ and TV Personality, played Simpson's role, showcasing the last days of the couple's relationship. The music Video for Lachey's second single off the album, I Can't Hate You Anymore, debuted on MTV's TRL on July 26, 2006, peaking at #4. In the spring of 2006, the album What's Left of Me was RIAA certified Gold, after selling more than 500,000 copies domestically.

In July 2006, Lachey's label, Jive records, announced his What's Left of Me Tour. The tour is about two months long and starts on September 20, 2006. Lachey's band for the What's Left of Me tour has Robbie Gennet playing rhythm guitar and singing, Al Berry playing bass guitar and singing, Kris Pooley playing keyboards and singing, Pathik Desai playing lead guitar and singing, and Derek Wyatt playing drums.

Lachey has appeared in films: Bewitched and The Hard Easy, both in 2005. He co-starred on Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica, a reality TV show with former wife Jessica Simpson. The TV show ran for 4 seasons between 2003 and 2005. Lachey later guest starred on the TV hits Charmed, Hope and Faith, and Twins.

During the fall of 2005, Lachey made his debut as a sideline and on-site contributor for ESPN's College GameDay. A self-professed sports fan, Lachey accompanied the broadcast crew around the country, earning mostly positive views from fans and non-fans alike. It is unknown if Lachey will continue as a contributor for the 2006 College football season.^[1]

Lachey appeared in TV ads for Clix, a new product in the line of Axe deodorants, in 2006.

Lachey also guest starred on MTV's Faking the video alongside JC Chasez and Michelle Branch.^[2]

Lachey is part-owner of the Hollywood fame, a team of the American Basketball Association set to begin play in fall 2006,^[3] and is part of an ownership group of the Tacoma Rainiers, the Seattle Mariners' Triple-A affiliate.^[4]

Lachey is also the godfather and uncle of Isabella Claire Lachey, the daughter of his younger brother Drew Lachey.

Following months of rumors and tabloid speculation, Lachey and Simpson announced their separation in November 2005, and were divorced in early 2006. On June 30, 2006, their divorce became final. He has said, however, that he will always love Simpson.

After his divorce from Jessica Simspon, Lachey has been dating TV personality Vanessa Minnillo.