History of Backstreet Boys in Timeline

The Backstreet Boys are an American vocal group formed in 1993 in Orlando, Florida, consisting of members Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, AJ McLean, Brian Littrell, and Kevin Richardson. As one of the most successful boy bands of all time, they achieved immense popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, selling millions of records worldwide. Known for their pop melodies, synchronized dance routines, and harmonious vocals, they released numerous chart-topping albums and singles, solidifying their status as pop icons. Despite periods of hiatus and lineup changes, they have continued to record and perform, maintaining a dedicated fanbase and influencing subsequent generations of pop artists.

1993: Ad Answered

In 1993, the Backstreet Boys answered an ad for a singing group aiming for a "New Kids on the Block look with a Boyz II Men sound", aspiring to be a white version of Boyz II Men.

December 1, 1999: Sears Sweepstakes Concert

On December 1, 1999, a Backstreet Boys concert in Tampa, Florida was the prize for the Sears back-to-school sweepstakes.

January 2000: Deal with Burger King

In January 2000, the Backstreet Boys signed a deal with Burger King for an exclusive compilation set available only at Burger King restaurants.

February 2000: Meeting with Stan Lee

In February 2000, Nick Carter met comic book writer Stan Lee to discuss the concept for a comic book series featuring the Backstreet Boys as superheroes.

August 2000: Burger King Commercials and Toys

In August 2000, the Burger King deal included three TV commercials featuring the Backstreet Boys, and an exclusive Backstreet Project Cyber Crusader toy in each Burger King Big Kids Meal and Kids Meal.

2000: Grammy Nominations

In 2000, the Backstreet Boys received five Grammy Award nominations.

2001: Comic Book Availability

In 2000-2001, the Backstreet Project comic book was available for purchase at Backstreet Boys' concerts and online stores.

Stan Lee Media Presents the Backstreet Project: Premiere Collector's Edition (Paperback) Volume 1 Number 1

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2005: Release of Never Gone album

In 2005, the Backstreet Boys drastically changed their style with their comeback album Never Gone, an adult contemporary record featuring only live instruments, a departure from their previous pop sound featuring many synthesizers.

2011: Littrell's Statement on Band's Inspiration

In 2011, Brian Littrell stated that the Backstreet Boys were inspired by true vocal groups like Shai, Jodeci, and Boyz II Men, not New Kids on the Block.

August 2012: Old Navy commercial reveal

In August 2012, it was revealed that the Backstreet Boys would be starring in an Old Navy commercial.

September 14, 2012: Old Navy event performance

On September 14, 2012, The Backstreet Boys performed at an Old Navy event "Fit For Fall Fashion Show for All" in Bryant Park, New York.

September 19, 2012: Airing of Old Navy commercial

On September 19, 2012, the Old Navy commercial featuring the Backstreet Boys started airing.

March 12, 2014: Filming of NetOnNet commercials

On March 12, 2014, the Backstreet Boys filmed a series of commercials for Swedish warehouse company NetOnNet in Sweden.

May 2014: Airing of NetOnNet commercials

In May 2014, the commercials featuring the Backstreet Boys for the Swedish warehouse company NetOnNet started airing.

April 8, 2019: Grammy Museum exhibit release

On April 8, 2019, Backstreet Boys released their exhibit at the Grammy Museum for a private viewing before its public opening, displaying tour outfits and childhood memorabilia.

2019: Grammy Nominations

As of 2019, the Backstreet Boys had received nine Grammy Award nominations.

2019: Super Bowl LIII Doritos commercial

In 2019, the Backstreet Boys participated in a commercial collaboration with Chance the Rapper for Doritos corn snacks during Super Bowl LIII. The advertisement was poorly received.

February 9, 2020: DNA World Tour announcement

On February 9, 2020, the Backstreet Boys announced the second North America leg of the DNA World Tour on social media and Good Morning America.

December 2020: "Matches" single release

In December 2020, Britney Spears released a single featuring the Backstreet Boys called "Matches".

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March 2021: Started working on Christmas album

In March 2021, the Backstreet Boys began working on their first Christmas album.

December 2021: Holiday residency cancelled

In December 2021, due to the pandemic, the Backstreet Boys canceled their 2021 holiday residency in Las Vegas.

April 6, 2022: Donation to First Day of School

On April 6, 2022, the Backstreet Boys donated $25,000 to the young band First Day of School for them to donate to their three favorite charities.

April 2022: DNA tour resumed

In April 2022, Backstreet Boys resumed their DNA tour in North America.

June 24, 2022: Virtual concert on WeChat

On June 24, 2022, the Backstreet Boys teamed up with Lincoln for a virtual concert broadcast on Tencent's WeChat channel for mostly users in China, drawing 44.2 million viewers.

July 27, 2022: Participation in Dave & Jimmy's Celebrity Softball Classic

On July 27, 2022, the Backstreet Boys participated in Dave & Jimmy's Celebrity Softball Classic in Columbus, Ohio, for charity, benefitting On Our Sleeves, the movement for children's mental health.

October 2022: Release of A Very Backstreet Christmas album

In October 2022, the Backstreet Boys released their first holiday album, A Very Backstreet Christmas, which achieved significant chart success.

2022: Downy Rinse and Refresh Detergent commercials

In 2022, the Backstreet Boys began appearing in commercials for Downy Rinse and Refresh Detergent.

May 2023: DNA tour finished

In May 2023, Backstreet Boys finished their DNA tour in South Africa.

August 2024: Court documents reveal seven-figure deal loss

In August 2024, court documents revealed Nick Carter's claim that Melissa Schuman's lawsuit caused the Backstreet Boys to lose a seven-figure deal.

December 4, 2024: Christmas tree lighting performance

On December 4, 2024, the Backstreet Boys performed for the Christmas tree lighting at Christmas in Rockefeller Center, which was broadcast live on NBC.

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July 11, 2025: "Millennium 2.0" Reissue and "Hey" Single Release

On July 11, 2025, the Backstreet Boys are set to release an expanded reissue of their third studio album, Millennium, titled Millennium 2.0, to celebrate its 25th anniversary. The release includes the new single, "Hey".

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August 2025: "Into the Millennium" Residency Additional Dates

In August 2025, the Backstreet Boys will be performing in a nine-show residency titled "Into the Millennium" at the Sphere in Las Vegas. In addition, three more dates were announced, bringing the total to twelve shows.