The Backstreet Boys are an American vocal group formed in 1993 in Orlando, Florida. The group consists of Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, AJ McLean, and cousins Brian Littrell and Kevin Richardson. They are known for their pop music and harmony-driven vocals.
1990: Kevin Richardson's Move to Orlando
Kevin Richardson relocated to Orlando, Florida, in 1990, marking a significant step towards the formation of the Backstreet Boys. He took on a role at Walt Disney World while nurturing his musical aspirations during the night.
1992: Lou Pearlman's Search for a Vocal Group
Lou Pearlman placed an advertisement in the Orlando Sentinel in 1992, aiming to assemble a vocal group. He envisioned a group that embodied the visual appeal of "New Kids on the Block" with a sound reminiscent of "Boyz II Men".
March 1993: Open Casting Calls for Boy Band
Between late 1992 and March 1993, Lou Pearlman held open auditions in Kissimmee, Florida, seeking talented individuals for a new boy band.
April 20, 1993: Brian Littrell Joins, Marking Anniversary Date
Brian Littrell joined the group on April 20, 1993, solidifying the Backstreet Boys' lineup. This date also became their anniversary, signifying the official formation of the group.
May 8, 1993: Backstreet Boys' Debut Performance
The Backstreet Boys took to the stage for the first time on May 8, 1993, at SeaWorld Orlando, marking their debut performance as a group.
1993: Backstreet Boys Formation
In 1993, in Orlando, Florida, the Backstreet Boys were formed. The original members were Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, AJ McLean, Brian Littrell, and Kevin Richardson.
1993: Formation and Vocal Identity
In 1993, seeking to distance themselves from the prevalent boy band stereotype and the shadow of lip-sync controversies associated with groups like New Kids on the Block, the Backstreet Boys emphasized their vocal abilities. Responding to an ad calling for a group that blended the aesthetic of New Kids on the Block with the sound of Boyz II Men, they aimed to establish themselves as a white counterpart to the renowned vocal group. The Backstreet Boys consistently showcased their vocal prowess through a cappella performances, emphasizing their commitment to live singing and harmonizing.
1993: Start of Financial Disputes
The period from 1993 to 1997 marked the beginning of financial disputes between the Backstreet Boys and their management, with allegations of Pearlman retaining a disproportionate share of the group's earnings.
February 1994: Securing Their First Record Deal
The Backstreet Boys secured their first record deal with JIVE Records in February 1994, marking a pivotal step in their journey towards musical success.
December 1994: Recording in Sweden
The Backstreet Boys traveled to Sweden towards the end of December 1994 to commence recording sessions with renowned producers Max Martin and Denniz PoP.
January 1995: Completion of Early Recordings
The Backstreet Boys concluded their initial recording sessions in Sweden in January 1995, laying the foundation for their debut album.
August 1995: "We've Got It Goin' On" Sent to Radio
"We've Got It Goin' On", the Backstreet Boys' debut single, hit the airwaves in August 1995 as it was officially sent to radio stations.
September 5, 1995: Release of Debut Single "We've Got It Goin' On"
The Backstreet Boys released their debut single, "We've Got It Goin' On", on September 5, 1995, marking their official entry into the music scene.
December 1995: "We've Got It Goin' On" Chart Performance
By December 1995, "We've Got It Goin' On" had achieved moderate success in the US, reaching a peak of number 69 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. However, the song garnered significant attention internationally, securing top 5 positions in various European countries, including Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France, and the Netherlands.
May 6, 1996: International Debut Album Release
On May 6, 1996, the Backstreet Boys released their debut album internationally, excluding the US and Canada.
October 1996: European Release of "Quit Playing Games (with My Heart)"
Initially released in Europe in October 1996 as their fourth single, "Quit Playing Games (with My Heart)" marked another step in the Backstreet Boys' European success.
October 1996: Start of Recording for "Backstreet's Back"
The Backstreet Boys began working on their second album, "Backstreet's Back," in October 1996, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their musical journey.
October 1996: Canadian Release of Debut Album
The Backstreet Boys' debut album was made available in Canada in October 1996.
1996: International Debut Album Release
Marking their entry into the global music scene, the Backstreet Boys released their debut international album, titled "Backstreet Boys", in 1996.
1996: Rising Popularity and Accolades in Europe
The Backstreet Boys experienced a surge in popularity throughout Europe in 1996. Their single "I'll Never Break Your Heart" achieved Gold status in Germany, a testament to its success. The group was recognized as the number one international group in Germany that year. Notably, their debut album earned platinum certification in Germany, surpassing sales of 500,000 copies, solidifying their international breakthrough.
February 1997: Contribution to "Booty Call" Soundtrack
In February 1997, the Backstreet Boys' song "If You Stay" was featured on the soundtrack of the film "Booty Call," showcasing their musical versatility and expanding their reach.
February 17, 1997: Release of Single "Anywhere for You"
"Anywhere for You" was released as the final single from the Backstreet Boys' international debut album on February 17, 1997.
May 1997: US Release of "Quit Playing Games (with My Heart)"
The Backstreet Boys released "Quit Playing Games (with My Heart)" in the US in May 1997. Included on their self-titled US debut album, the song achieved significant success, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning a platinum certification for sales exceeding one million copies.
August 11, 1997: International Release of "Backstreet's Back"
The Backstreet Boys released their second album, "Backstreet's Back," internationally on August 11, 1997, excluding the US market.
August 12, 1997: US Release of Self-titled Album
A day after the international release of "Backstreet's Back," the Backstreet Boys launched their self-titled debut album, "Backstreet Boys," in the US on August 12, 1997. The album, a compilation of tracks from their 1996 international debut and "Backstreet's Back," peaked at number four on the US album chart, achieving remarkable success with 14 million copies sold.
November 1997: Brian Littrell's Heart Condition Diagnosed
Brian Littrell was diagnosed with a serious heart condition in November 1997 when doctors discovered an enlarged hole in his heart.
1997: Escalation of Financial Disputes
Financial disputes between the Backstreet Boys and their management continued to escalate in 1997, leading to legal action.
1997: Second International and US Debut Albums Release
The Backstreet Boys released their second international album, "Backstreet's Back", in 1997. That same year, they also released their self-titled album, "Backstreet Boys", in the US, marking their debut in the American music market.
1997: "As Long As You Love Me" Trends on Weibo
The day following the Backstreet Boys' virtual concert on WeChat, the hashtag for their 1997 hit "As Long As You Love Me" saw a resurgence in popularity. The hashtag climbed to the number one trending spot on Weibo, China's equivalent of Twitter. This surge in engagement highlights the enduring appeal of the group's music, even years after its initial release.
May 8, 1998: Brian Littrell Undergoes Heart Surgery
In the midst of the Backstreet's Back Tour on May 8, 1998, Brian Littrell underwent heart surgery to repair a congenital heart defect that had worsened.
July 1998: Backstreet Boys Resume Tour After Littrell's Recovery
Following Brian Littrell's recovery from heart surgery, the Backstreet Boys resumed their postponed tour in July 1998.
October 7, 1998: Backstreet Boys Honored in Orlando
On October 7, 1998, the Backstreet Boys received the keys to the city of Orlando, with the day declared Backstreet Boys Day, in recognition of their tornado relief concert.
1998: Brian Littrell Sues Lou Pearlman
In 1998, Brian Littrell initiated a lawsuit against Lou Pearlman and Trans Continental, alleging financial mismanagement and unfair earnings distribution.
May 18, 1999: "Millennium" Released
The Backstreet Boys released their highly anticipated third studio album, "Millennium", on May 18, 1999, marked by a prominent appearance on MTV's Total Request Live.
June 2, 1999: Into the Millennium Tour Kicks Off
The Backstreet Boys launched their highly successful Into the Millennium Tour on June 2, 1999, featuring numerous sold-out shows and record-breaking ticket sales.
October 1999: Backstreet Boys Sign Lucrative Record Deal
Amidst ongoing legal issues, the Backstreet Boys secured a groundbreaking $60 million record deal with JIVE in October 1999, marking one of the largest record deals at the time.
December 1, 1999: "Into the Millennium" Tour Sponsorship
Sears, the retail giant, came on board as the sponsor for the second leg of the Backstreet Boys' "Into the Millennium Tour," which encompassed their North American dates. The sponsorship reflected Sears' new global marketing strategy, placing the Backstreet Boys at the forefront. The collaboration included television commercials, sweepstakes offering fans chances to win shopping sprees and concert tickets, further cementing the group's mainstream appeal and commercial success.
1999: Release of Album "Millennium"
The Backstreet Boys released their third studio album, "Millennium," in 1999. This album included the globally popular song "I Want It That Way."
1999: "Millennium" Dominates Charts
"Millennium" achieved remarkable commercial success in 1999, becoming the best-selling album of the year in the U.S. and earning numerous accolades.
January 2000: Burger King Partnership and Exclusive Compilation
The Backstreet Boys inked a deal with Burger King in January 2000. This strategic partnership resulted in the release of a unique compilation set exclusively available at Burger King restaurants. The set included three CDs featuring a mix of new material, live recordings, and a VHS tape containing behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
February 2000: Meeting Stan Lee and Comic Book Inspiration
In February 2000, Nick Carter, known for his passion for comics, crossed paths with the legendary Stan Lee. Carter pitched his concept for a comic book series titled "Cyber Crusaders," envisioning the Backstreet Boys as superheroes. Lee, intrigued by the idea, collaborated with Carter, resulting in a single-issue comic book release titled "Backstreet Project."
May 2000: Songwriting Retreat in the Bahamas
The Backstreet Boys took a trip to the Bahamas in May 2000 to focus on songwriting for their upcoming album.
July 1, 2000: Recording Begins for "Black & Blue"
The Backstreet Boys began recording their fourth studio album, "Black & Blue", on July 1, 2000, in Stockholm, Sweden.
August 2000: Television Commercials and Toy Promotion
Expanding upon their partnership with Burger King, the Backstreet Boys were featured in a series of television commercials starting in August 2000. This collaboration also included a promotional campaign where an exclusive "Backstreet Project" Cyber Crusader toy was included in Burger King's Big Kids Meal and Kids Meal options, demonstrating the group's reach and influence within popular culture.
August 28, 2000: "It's True" Released on Compilation Album
On August 28, 2000, the song "It's True", recorded during the "Black & Blue" sessions, was released on a compilation album exclusively available at Burger King.
November 21, 2000: "Black & Blue" Released
"Black & Blue", the Backstreet Boys' fourth studio album, was released on November 21, 2000, accompanied by a whirlwind promotional tour spanning five continents in 100 hours.
2000: Release of Album "Black & Blue"
The Backstreet Boys released their fourth studio album, "Black & Blue", in 2000.
2000: Backstreet Boys Receive Five Grammy Nominations
In 2000, the Backstreet Boys were nominated for five Grammy Awards.
January 28, 2001: Backstreet Boys Perform at Super Bowl XXXV
The Backstreet Boys performed the American national anthem at Super Bowl XXXV in Tampa, Florida, on January 28, 2001.
September 11, 2001: Backstreet Boys Impacted by 9/11 Tragedy
The Backstreet Boys were deeply affected by the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, as their set carpenter, Daniel Lee, was a passenger on American Airlines Flight 11.
October 23, 2001: "The Hits – Chapter One" Released
On October 23, 2001, the Backstreet Boys released their first compilation album, "The Hits – Chapter One," featuring the new single "Drowning."
2001: "Around the World" DVD and Game Released
In 2001, the Backstreet Boys released a DVD and a board game titled "Around the World", documenting their promotional tour for "Black & Blue".
2001: "Backstreet Project" Comic Book and Webisodes
Released in 2000, the "Backstreet Project" comic book, featuring the Backstreet Boys as superheroes, was available for fans to purchase at their concerts and through online platforms until 2001. Alongside the comic, a series of webisodes were also produced, further expanding the project's reach into the digital realm.
2001: Release of Greatest Hits Album
The Backstreet Boys released their first greatest hits album, "The Hits - Chapter One", in 2001.
2002: "The Hits – Chapter One" Achieves Global Success
By 2002, "The Hits – Chapter One" had sold nearly six million copies worldwide, further solidifying the Backstreet Boys' global impact.
2002: Internal Conflicts and Legal Battles
In 2002, the Backstreet Boys faced internal conflicts and legal battles, with a desire to part ways with their management and a lawsuit against their label, JIVE.
November 2003: McLean's Public Struggle and Group Support
A.J. McLean publicly addressed his struggles with addiction on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" in November 2003, receiving support from his fellow Backstreet Boys members, marking their first public appearance together in nearly two years.
January 2004: Backstreet Boys Begin Recording and Performing Again
In January 2004, the Backstreet Boys returned to the studio to start recording a new album after a hiatus. They also began performing live again, including a small Asian tour in September 2004, to mark their return to the music scene.
March 28, 2005: "Incomplete" Released as Comeback Single
On March 28, 2005, the Backstreet Boys released "Incomplete" as the lead single from their upcoming album, marking their return to the music scene.
June 14, 2005: Backstreet Boys Release "Never Gone" Album
On June 14, 2005, the Backstreet Boys released their comeback album, "Never Gone", which marked a change in their style and received mixed reviews.
July 22, 2005: Backstreet Boys Embark on "Never Gone" Tour
The Backstreet Boys kicked off their "Never Gone" tour on July 22, 2005, in West Palm Beach, Florida, to promote their comeback album.
November 2005: "Never Gone" Tour Continues in Europe
Following its start in North America, the Backstreet Boys' "Never Gone" tour continued into Europe in November 2005, expanding its global reach.
2005: Comeback Album "Never Gone" Release After Hiatus
Following a two-year break, the Backstreet Boys reunited and, in 2005, released their comeback album, "Never Gone".
2005: "Never Gone" Marks a Musical Shift
The Backstreet Boys' 2005 album, "Never Gone," marked a distinct turning point in their sound. Departing from their earlier pop-driven material, the album embraced an adult contemporary style and featured a shift towards the use of live instruments, a departure from their previous reliance on synthesizers. This change in direction showcased a more mature and organic sound, reflecting the group's growth and evolution as musicians.
February 2, 2006: "Never Gone" Tour Concludes
The Backstreet Boys concluded their "Never Gone" tour on February 2, 2006, in Melbourne, Australia, after numerous performances across the globe.
June 23, 2006: Kevin Richardson Leaves Backstreet Boys
Kevin Richardson announced his departure from the Backstreet Boys on June 23, 2006, to pursue other interests, leaving the group as a quartet.
2006: Kevin Richardson's Departure
After the conclusion of their "Never Gone" tour in 2006, Kevin Richardson decided to leave the Backstreet Boys to explore other opportunities.
October 30, 2007: Backstreet Boys Release "Unbreakable"
The Backstreet Boys, now a quartet, released their sixth studio album, "Unbreakable," on October 30, 2007, which received positive reviews.
2007: Release of Album "Unbreakable" as a Quartet
Continuing as a four-member group, the Backstreet Boys released the album "Unbreakable" in 2007.
November 23, 2008: Kevin Richardson Reunites Onstage with Backstreet Boys
Kevin Richardson made a surprise appearance and performed with the Backstreet Boys at their concert in Los Angeles on November 23, 2008, during the "Unbreakable" tour.
October 5, 2009: Brian Littrell Diagnosed with Swine Flu, Backstreet Boys Cancel Appearances
Brian Littrell's swine flu diagnosis led to the cancellation of several Backstreet Boys appearances in early October 2009, including a signing and a performance on CBS Early Show.
October 6, 2009: Backstreet Boys Release "This Is Us" Album
The Backstreet Boys released their seventh studio album, "This Is Us," on October 6, 2009, featuring a return to their dance-pop roots and R&B influences.
October 2009: Backstreet Boys Launch "This Is Us" Tour
In late October 2009, the Backstreet Boys embarked on their "This Is Us" tour, which spanned over a year and featured numerous performances worldwide.
2009: Release of Album "This Is Us"
The Backstreet Boys, still performing as a quartet, released their album "This Is Us" in 2009.
October 22, 2010: Backstreet Boys, Including Kevin Richardson, Appear on Oprah
All five members of the Backstreet Boys, including Kevin Richardson, made a special appearance on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" on October 22, 2010, marking another instance of Richardson performing with the group since his departure.
2010: Kevin Richardson's Behind-the-Scenes Return to Backstreet Boys
It was revealed that Kevin Richardson had been in discussions to rejoin the Backstreet Boys since 2010, with his bandmates supporting his decision to keep it under wraps until the NKOTBSB tour concluded.
May 2011: Backstreet Boys Part Ways with JIVE Records and Announce NKOTBSB Tour
In May 2011, the Backstreet Boys announced their departure from JIVE Records and the start of their highly anticipated joint tour with New Kids on the Block, dubbed NKOTBSB.
July 2011: Kevin Richardson Makes Surprise Appearance at NKOTBSB Tour
Kevin Richardson surprised fans by joining the Backstreet Boys on stage during their NKOTBSB tour at the Staples Center in Los Angeles in July 2011.
October 2011: Kevin Richardson Expresses Interest in Rejoining Backstreet Boys
In October 2011, Kevin Richardson publicly expressed his desire to perform with the Backstreet Boys on a more regular basis, hinting at a possible reunion.
December 3, 2011: Kevin Richardson Performs with Backstreet Boys at Cruise Event
Kevin Richardson performed with the Backstreet Boys during a cruise event in the Bahamas on December 3, 2011, sparking further speculation about his potential return to the group.
2011: Vocal Influences and Style
In 2011, Brian Littrell, a member of the Backstreet Boys, shed light on the group's musical influences. While acknowledging New Kids on the Block as contemporaries, Littrell emphasized that their true inspirations stemmed from vocal-centric groups such as Shai, Jodeci, and Boyz II Men. This focus on vocal harmony, particularly their use of polyphonic singing, became a hallmark of the Backstreet Boys' sound, setting them apart from many of their peers.
April 29, 2012: Kevin Richardson Officially Rejoins Backstreet Boys
Kevin Richardson's permanent return to the Backstreet Boys was officially announced on April 29, 2012, during a concert in London, reuniting all five original members.
June 2012: NKOTBSB Tour Concludes
After a successful run, the NKOTBSB tour, featuring the Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block, concluded in June 2012, having performed in various countries.
July 2012: Backstreet Boys Start Recording New Album in London
The Backstreet Boys relocated to London in July 2012 to commence recording their new album with producer Martin Terefe, marking a new chapter in their career.
August 31, 2012: Backstreet Boys Perform as a Fivesome, Announce 2013 Cruise
On August 31, 2012, the Backstreet Boys, reunited as a quintet, performed on Good Morning America's Summer Concert Series and announced their upcoming cruise, featuring all five members.
September 14, 2012: "Fit For Fall Fashion Show for All" Performance
Prior to the official airing of their Old Navy commercial, the Backstreet Boys graced the stage at a special event organized by the brand. On September 14, 2012, they performed at the "Fit For Fall Fashion Show for All" held in Bryant Park, New York City.
September 19, 2012: Old Navy Commercial Air Date
The Backstreet Boys' collaboration with Old Navy, the clothing retailer, was unveiled on September 19, 2012, with the first airing of their commercial. This partnership signified a strategic move for the group, signaling their return to the spotlight and highlighting their enduring appeal.
2012: Kevin Richardson's Return
Kevin Richardson rejoined the Backstreet Boys in 2012, marking his permanent return to the group.
January 2013: "Millennium"'s Enduring Legacy
As of January 2013, "Millennium" secured its position as the fourth best-selling album in the U.S. during the SoundScan era.
April 20, 2013: Backstreet Boys 20th Anniversary Fan Celebration
On April 20, 2013, the Backstreet Boys celebrated their 20th anniversary with a special fan celebration event in Hollywood.
April 22, 2013: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
The Backstreet Boys were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 22, 2013, recognizing their significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
May 2013: In a World Like This Tour Begins
The Backstreet Boys embarked on their 20th-anniversary tour, "In a World Like This," in May 2013. The tour, spanning over two years, covered North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
June 25, 2013: "In a World Like This" Single Release
The Backstreet Boys released "In a World Like This," the lead single from their eighth studio album of the same name, digitally on June 25, 2013.
July 22, 2013: "In a World Like This" Radio Release
On July 22, 2013, "In a World Like This" was released to radio stations, following its digital release a month prior.
July 30, 2013: "In a World Like This" Album Release
The Backstreet Boys released their eighth studio album, "In a World Like This," on July 30, 2013, in the United States. This was their first independent album, released under their label, K-BAHN.
October 2013: Backstreet Boys' First Cruise with All Five Members
The Backstreet Boys embarked on their third cruise in October 2013, marking the first time all five members participated in the event.
November 2013: "Show 'Em (What You're Made Of)" Single Release
The Backstreet Boys released "Show 'Em (What You're Made Of)", the second single from their album "In a World Like This," in November 2013.
December 2013: Performance at "Christmas in Washington"
The Backstreet Boys performed their two original Christmas songs at the annual "Christmas in Washington" TV special in December 2013. The event was attended by President Barack Obama and his family.
March 12, 2014: Backstreet Boys Film Commercials for NetOnNet
On March 12, 2014, the Backstreet Boys filmed a series of commercials for Swedish warehouse company NetOnNet while on tour in Europe.
March 24, 2014: Court Case Against Lou Pearlman Scheduled
The Backstreet Boys were scheduled to appear in court on March 24, 2014, for their case against former manager Lou Pearlman. The group claimed Pearlman owed them over $3 million and requested legal fees. They sought a postponement due to scheduling conflicts.
May 2014: NetOnNet Commercials Featuring Backstreet Boys Air
Commercials featuring the Backstreet Boys for Swedish warehouse company NetOnNet began airing in May 2014.
October 21, 2014: Settlement Reached with Lou Pearlman's Estate
On October 21, 2014, the Backstreet Boys reached a settlement with Lou Pearlman's estate. They received $99,000 and various unreleased recordings, including demos and original materials.
2014: MTV Movie Award for "Best Musical Moment"
The Backstreet Boys won the MTV Movie Award for "Best Musical Moment" in 2014 for their cameo performance of "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)" in the movie "This Is the End".
2014: In a World Like This Tour Success
The Backstreet Boys' "In a World Like This" tour, which ran across 2013, 2014 and 2015, became the 44th highest-grossing worldwide tour in 2014. The tour grossed a total of $32.8 million and sold 607,407 tickets.
January 2015: Release of Documentary "Backstreet Boys: Show 'Em What You're Made Of"
The Backstreet Boys shared their story with fans through a documentary titled "Backstreet Boys: Show 'Em What You're Made Of", released in January 2015, offering an inside look at their journey and experiences.
January 30, 2015: "Backstreet Boys: Show 'Em What You're Made Of" US Release
The Backstreet Boys documentary, "Backstreet Boys: Show 'Em What You're Made Of," premiered in theaters and online in the US on January 30, 2015.
February 26, 2015: "Backstreet Boys: Show 'Em What You're Made Of" UK and Europe Release
The documentary "Backstreet Boys: Show 'Em What You're Made Of" was released in the UK and Europe on February 26, 2015.
August 2015: Filming of "Dead 7" Begins
In August 2015, Backstreet Boys members Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, and AJ McLean started filming the zombie western "Dead 7". The film was written by Carter.
October 2015: Work Begins on Ninth Studio Album
In October 2015, AJ McLean announced that the Backstreet Boys were working on their ninth studio album with producer Jacob Kasher, aiming to complete it before their cruise in May 2016.
January 29, 2016: Backstreet Boys Perform on "Undateable"
The Backstreet Boys were the musical guests on the series finale of the NBC comedy "Undateable" on January 29, 2016.
April 1, 2016: "Dead 7" Premieres on Syfy
"Dead 7", a zombie western film featuring Backstreet Boys members and other boy band stars, premiered on the Syfy channel on April 1, 2016.
May 2016: Planned Completion of Ninth Studio Album
The band aimed to finish recording their ninth studio album by May 2016, before embarking on their next Backstreet Boys cruise.
June 7, 2016: "Dead 7" DVD Release
On June 7, 2016, the official DVD for the movie "Dead 7" was released.
July 2016: Performance on ABC's "Greatest Hits"
The Backstreet Boys performed on an episode of ABC's "Greatest Hits" in July 2016.
August 19, 2016: "God, Your Mama, and Me" Release
The Backstreet Boys released "God, Your Mama, and Me" with Florida Georgia Line on August 19, 2016. The song was included on Florida Georgia Line's album "Dig Your Roots".
September 15, 2016: New Album and Tour Announced
On September 15, 2016, AJ McLean and Nick Carter announced that the Backstreet Boys would release a new album and embark on a headlining tour the following year.
March 1, 2017: "Backstreet Boys: Larger Than Life" Residency Begins
The Backstreet Boys' Las Vegas residency show, "Backstreet Boys: Larger Than Life," opened on March 1, 2017.
March 2017: Las Vegas Residency "Backstreet Boys: Larger Than Life" Begins
In March 2017, the Backstreet Boys commenced their Las Vegas residency, titled "Backstreet Boys: Larger Than Life," a testament to their enduring popularity and stage presence. The residency lasted for two years.
March 18, 2017: "God, Your Mama, and Me" Charts on Hot 100
"God, Your Mama, and Me" entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart at number 92 on March 18, 2017, marking the Backstreet Boys' first appearance on the chart since 2007.
May 17, 2018: "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" Release
The Backstreet Boys released "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" on May 17, 2018, as the lead single from their upcoming album, "DNA".
2018: Unreleased 25th Anniversary Album
McLean divulged that the Backstreet Boys had prepared a 13-track album intended for release on their 25th anniversary in 2018. However, for undisclosed reasons, this album never saw the light of day.
January 4, 2019: "No Place" Single Release
The Backstreet Boys released "No Place", the third single from their "DNA" album, on January 4, 2019.
January 25, 2019: "DNA" Album Release
"DNA", the Backstreet Boys' ninth studio album, was released on January 25, 2019.
April 8, 2019: Backstreet Boys Exhibit Opens at Grammy Museum
On April 8, 2019, the Backstreet Boys revealed their exhibit at the Grammy Museum, showcasing memorabilia from their careers and childhoods. The exhibit opened to the public two days later.
April 27, 2019: "Backstreet Boys: Larger Than Life" Residency Ends
The Backstreet Boys concluded their Las Vegas residency show, "Backstreet Boys: Larger Than Life," on April 27, 2019, after 80 shows.
May 11, 2019: DNA World Tour Begins
The Backstreet Boys kicked off their "DNA World Tour" on May 11, 2019, to support their album of the same name.
2019: Backstreet Boys Achieve Nine Grammy Nominations
As of 2019, the Backstreet Boys have received nine Grammy Award nominations, including five in 2000.
2019: Backstreet Boys Appear in Doritos Super Bowl Commercial
During Super Bowl LIII in 2019, the Backstreet Boys appeared in a Doritos Flamin' Hot Nacho commercial with Chance the Rapper.
2019: Release of Album "DNA" and Chart-topping Success
The Backstreet Boys released their album "DNA" in 2019. The album debuted at number one, signifying their first chart-topping album in 19 years, since their 2000 release. This accomplishment also solidified their place as the first boy band to achieve number one albums in three consecutive decades.
February 9, 2020: Second North American Leg of DNA World Tour Announced
The Backstreet Boys announced a second North American leg of their "DNA World Tour" on February 9, 2020, via social media and "Good Morning America".
March 15, 2020: DNA World Tour Postponed Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
The Backstreet Boys postponed their "DNA World Tour" on March 15, 2020, due to the global coronavirus pandemic.
December 2020: Britney Spears Releases "Matches" Featuring Backstreet Boys
In December 2020, Britney Spears released a new single, "Matches," featuring the Backstreet Boys.
March 2021: Work Begins on First Christmas Album
In March 2021, the Backstreet Boys began working on their first Christmas album amidst postponements to their tour due to the ongoing pandemic.
February 23, 2022: Las Vegas Shows Announced
On February 23, 2022, exciting news arrived for Backstreet Boys fans as the group announced a four-show stint in Las Vegas. This string of performances was set to launch their highly anticipated DNA World Tour.
April 6, 2022: Backstreet Boys Donate to First Day of School Band
On April 6, 2022, the Backstreet Boys donated $25,000 to young band First Day of School to support their charitable endeavors.
April 2022: DNA Tour Resumes
The Backstreet Boys' DNA Tour, which had been interrupted by the pandemic, restarted its North American leg in April 2022.
June 24, 2022: Virtual Concert for WeChat
The Backstreet Boys partnered with Lincoln, the American luxury car manufacturer, for a unique virtual concert experience on June 24, 2022. The performance, broadcast from Philadelphia via Tencent's WeChat channel, was primarily targeted at users in China.
October 2022: "A Very Backstreet Christmas" Release
In October 2022, the Backstreet Boys finally released their highly anticipated first holiday album, "A Very Backstreet Christmas." The album performed well, reaching number 17 on the US Billboard 200 and securing the top spot on the Billboard Holiday charts.
2022: Backstreet Boys Star in Downy Commercials
In 2022, the Backstreet Boys began appearing in commercials for Downy Rinse and Refresh Detergent.
2022: Release of First Christmas Album
In 2022, the Backstreet Boys released their inaugural Christmas album, "A Very Backstreet Christmas", adding a festive touch to their discography.
2022: Christmas Album Release Delayed
The Backstreet Boys' highly anticipated Christmas album, originally slated for a 2021 release, faced setbacks pushing its debut to late 2022. The delay was a result of production challenges stemming from the pandemic.
April 20, 2023: Backstreet Boys' 30th Anniversary
On April 20, 2023, the Backstreet Boys celebrated their 30th anniversary, marking three decades of their formation and musical journey.
May 2023: DNA Tour Concludes
The Backstreet Boys are scheduled to wrap up their extensive DNA World Tour with a final show in South Africa in May 2023.
September 2023: New Album Plans Revealed
A.J. McLean, a member of the Backstreet Boys, hinted at plans for a new album in September 2023. He shared that the group had revisited some of their classic hits and personal favorites, suggesting they might be included in the upcoming project.
2025: Special Project for 2025
McLean has teased a significant project in the works for 2025, revealing it was the brainchild of his ex-wife. While details remain under wraps, anticipation is building among fans eager for new material.