Before headlining The Town festival in São Paulo, Nick Carter and Howie Dorough reflected on three decades of music, the 25th anniversary of their iconic Millennium album, and their long-standing connection with Brazilian fans.
“When we go to Brazil, it feels like home,” Howie says warmly. “The love and support are unmatched. Fans wait at the airport, outside hotels, even in the streets. It’s like we’re a Brazilian band.”
Nick adds: “Brazil never forgot about us. Even during the toughest times, the loyalty never faded. That’s why Brazil will always be special to us.”
The group recently returned to Brazil for their sixth visit, performing at The Town on September 12 with their Into the Millennium tour — a revamped version of their 1999 world tour. To mark the milestone, they released Millennium 2.0, featuring remastered tracks, unreleased demos, and live recordings.
Swedish pop magic
Much of the Backstreet Boys’ sound was shaped in Stockholm under the guidance of legendary producers Denniz Pop and Max Martin. “It was magical,” Howie recalls. “We were a harmony-driven group, and they saw the opportunity to build something unique with us.”
Nick remembers traveling to Sweden as a teenager: “Working with Max and Denniz shaped who we became. The songs we created together still define our sound.”
Hits like Quit Playing Games (With My Heart), As Long as You Love Me, and Everybody (Backstreet’s Back) cemented their legacy as one of the most successful pop acts in history, selling over 100 million records worldwide.
Reinvention and AI
Over the years, the group has survived industry shifts and the decline of the boy band era by focusing on reinvention. “We realized it was time to embrace what made people love us in the first place: the hits, the dancing, the energy,” Howie says.
On the subject of artificial intelligence, Nick is cautiously optimistic: “We embrace technology, as long as it doesn’t abuse creativity. Music is about emotion — our voices, our stories. That can’t be replaced.”
Howie jokes, comparing the Backstreet Boys to John Connor: “AI is the Terminator, and we have to make sure it doesn’t take over.”
A legacy across generations
With a residency at Las Vegas’ Sphere and new fans discovering their music on TikTok, the Backstreet Boys continue to bridge generations. “Parents are singing along to songs they loved as teens, while their kids are learning the words through social media,” Nick says. “It’s a blessing to see.”
Three decades after being assembled in Orlando as a pop experiment, the Backstreet Boys remain one of music’s most enduring acts — proving that sometimes, a formula becomes something far greater: a legacy.
Backstreet’s back, indeed.
Fuente: Billboard.com
