Ever since NSYNC reunited for “Better Place” in “Trolls Band Together,” fans have been living on a steady diet of hope and Instagram sleuthing. One song in 20+ years just isn’t enough; and it seems like the Backstreet Boys agree. Now, thanks to some very pointed comments from Nick Carter and AJ McLean, it sounds like this once-impossible crossover might be inching closer to being real.
Backstreet Boys Want That NSYNC Collab — Badly
Nick Carter didn’t mince words. While talking to Parade, he revealed the BSB guys have been talking NSYNC collab logistics behind the scenes; yes, with managers and everything. “We’ve talked about it a ton,” he said, “it just hasn’t lined up yet.”
And it’s not like BSB is new to the idea of boy band crossovers. Considering how smooth their NKOTBSB tour went with New Kids on the Block back in 2011-2012. And according to People, Carter made it clear they’re ready for another boy band team-up. He said, “we’re always thinking of really cool collaborations like that, and it has come up as a conversation.”
AJ McLean also formed ATCK (All the Cool Kids) with producer Brandon Mashburn (aka DJ Lux), a live-performance collective that’s popped up at fan cons and charity events. While not official group collabs, those moments proved the appetite (and the harmony) is still there. It features a rotating lineup of artists including NSYNC’s Chris Kirkpatrick, who joined for their single “Air.”
McLean (never one to hold back) has been fanning the rumor flames too. Earlier this year, he teased E! News with a classic non-denial: “No one knows what the future holds… we’ll see what happens.” Which in PR-speak loosely translates to: “It’s not official, but we want it to be.”
So yes, the interest is real for BSB. The only thing missing is that green light from the NSYNC side.
So… What’s Actually Stopping This?
Joey Fatone is the designated realist of his boy band, apparently. When asked about a collab back in May, he told People, “The five of us need to get together, and that day has not happened yet.” Between everyone’s schedules and international flights, getting the band back together today isn’t as easy as hopping into a tour bus like it’s 1999. Fatone’s biggest point? NSYNC all need to get in the same room (with some time to discuss) first. Makes sense.
Still, “Better Place” cracked the door open. It proved NSYNC can still create magic; and fans will show up for it. Meanwhile, BSB is gearing up for their massive Sphere residency in Vegas this summer, celebrating 25 years of “Millennium.” So the timing? Kinda perfect if the stars (and calendars) could align.
Back in their heyday, these two groups sold out stadiums, dominated “TRL,” and sparked legit fan wars. A joint tour (or even a one-night-only crossover) would be a pop culture event. Think Super Bowl halftime show meets teen heartthrob fever dream. And let’s be honest, the nostalgia economy has never been stronger.
This Could Actually Happen (No Strings Attached)
So while nothing’s set in stone, the fact that Nick and AJ are openly discussing a NSYNC + BSB moment, combined with NSYNC’s willingness to regroup around a big idea (i.e. the “Trolls” song), gives fans reason to get excited. If those managers can make schedules align, we might just be looking at the summer’s hottest nostalgic tour… plus a fresh hit to unite two of the era’s biggest boy bands.
Because let’s face it: we’re way overdue for a boy band multiverse moment.
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