The group formed in 1995 , started its career 1996 in Europe , and hit it big in the United States in 1998 with the US release of its debut album \* NSYNC , which sold 11 million copies . The group formed in 1995 , started its career 1996 in Europe , and hit it big in the United States in 1998 with the U.S. release of its debut album \* NSYNC , which sold 11 million copies .