Remember the frenzy when the Backstreet Boys dropped Millennium?
Times Square was practically shut down!
Carson Daly, back in his MTV days, hosted the spectacle, and the world collectively lost its mind.
Now, fast forward over two decades, and get ready to relive the magic, only bigger and bolder.
The Backstreet Boys are heading to Las Vegas’ Sphere this summer for a residency called “Into the Millennium,” and trust us, it’s going to be larger than life.
What can we expect?
Let’s dive into what makes this comeback a monumental moment for both BSB and pop culture.
What’s “Into the Millennium” All About?
The residency, featuring Kevin Richardson, AJ McLean, Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, and Brian Littrell, promises cutting-edge visuals and sounds thanks to the Sphere’s immersive tech.
McLean exclaimed to TODAY.com, it’s an absolute blessing!
“Into the Millennium” directly nods to their original 1999 and 2000 tour, celebrating an album that snagged five Grammy nominations and spent 10 weeks at the No.
1 spot.
And that’s not all!
Along with the residency, get ready for Millennium 2.0, a 25-track deluxe album boasting remastered hits, live recordings, demos, and even an alternate version of “I Want It That Way.” Plus, a brand-new track called “Hey.” It’s a full-blown nostalgia trip with a fresh twist.
How could you not be excited?!
Why the Sphere?
Why Now?
Formed back in 1993 in Orlando, Florida, the Backstreet Boys have solidified themselves as one of the greatest boy bands of all time.
Thirty-two years, you say?
How is that even possible!?
McLean joked to TODAY.com.
They truly love what they do.
A nod to the past and present with “Into the Millennium” is definitely in order!
So, what makes the Sphere the perfect venue for this epic comeback?
It’s all about the immersive experience.
Remember the Surfboards?
What About the Flubs?
Back in 1999, BSB kicked off their tour on futuristic surfboards, rocking navy pants and royal blue strapped vests.
Oh, the 90s!
And let’s not forget the tour mishaps.
McLean reminisces, “Kevin got stuck up there one night!” Richardson chimed in, “I was just dangling over the audience.”
Fans are already buzzing about the possibility of the surfboards making a comeback.
But Dorough jokes, “We don’t know where they are.” Littrell apparently has them all stashed away at his house!
While they might not be flying in on surfboards (maybe?), they’re definitely exploring the Sphere’s maximum potential.
Subtle differences and upgrades are definitely in the works.
Crafting the Setlist: A Nod to the Past, a Glimpse of the Future
Richardson reveals that the setlist is being curated as we speak.
Expect a heavy dose of Millennium, sprinkled with fan favorites, deep cuts, greatest hits, and their new song, “Hey.” With such an immersive venue, one question remains: What’s the best seat in the house?
Richardson believes, “There’s really no bad seat.” Depending on where you sit, you’ll get a different experience thanks to the Sphere’s unique screens.
Floor seats offer a concert-like vibe, while higher seats let you take in the full spectacle.
But McLean insists, “If you don’t look around, you’re going to miss something.” So, maybe seeing the show two or three times is the only real solution, according to Littrell!
“Millennium 2.0” and the Alternate “I Want It That Way”
The Backstreet Boys reunited with Carson Daly on TODAY to announce Millennium 2.0.
The album includes tracks like “I’ll Be There For You,” “You Wrote the Book on Love,” and “My Heart Stays With You,” previously heard on deluxe versions.
And, of course, the new song “Hey,” which Littrell says was a perfect fit for this special release.
But hold on, there’s more!
Fans will get to hear an alternate version of “I Want It That Way.” Instead of “tell me why,” the lyrics are switched up with “no goodbyes,” “no more lies,” and “that is why.” Richardson explains, “You’re going to understand why we chose to go with the other one.” McLean adds that most of the lyrics are completely different.
Intriguing, right?
Dreaming of a Grammy (Finally!)
Dorough recalls their early days touring high schools, singing a cappella when the mics went out and still winning over the crowd.
With almost 32 years of history, BSB pride is alive and well.
They’ve sold millions of records, won a slew of awards, and even have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Yet, there’s still one accolade they’re chasing: a Grammy.
Dorough says, “That’s something I think we’ve always had on our bucket list.” They’ve been nominated eight times, most recently in 2019 for “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.” McLean adds, “It’s just been this steady incline for us, and it’s just been a blessing that we’re still doing this 32 years later.”
BSB in the Sphere: A New Chapter
Opportunities like the Sphere reignite the flame.
They inspire us and it gets us excited again, according to McLean.
As Liz Calvario from TODAY.com put it, Backstreet Boys are taking on a new challenge.
Features of the building include a 160,000-square-foot wraparound LED screen and more than 160,000 speakers.
Brian Littrell joked, “Hopefully we sound like angels.”
McLean added, “Everybody will hear it sonically the same, no matter where you’re sitting in the venue, which is incredible.” When you reflect on the Backstreet Boys discography, particularly their 26-year-old third album, nothing exactly stands out as mundane.
Get ready to see the Backstreet Boys redefine the Vegas experience.
Backstreet Boys Sphere: Essential Info Before You Go
Here’s what you need to know before securing your tickets for this unique event:
- Dates: July 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 and on Aug.
1, 2 and 3. - Location: The Sphere, Las Vegas
- Tickets: Starting at $85.
Available on Ticketmaster and resale sites like Vivid Seats. - Album Release: Millennium 2.0 drops on July 11, coinciding with the residency’s start.
From Boy Band to Legends: The Backstreet Boys’ Enduring Appeal
The Backstreet Boys aren’t just a band; they’re a cultural phenomenon.
Their journey, marked by chart-topping hits, sold-out tours, and unwavering dedication, has solidified their place in music history.
Now, as they prepare to conquer the Sphere, they’re not just reliving their glory days but setting the stage for a new chapter.
So, are you ready to head “Into the Millennium”?
Because the Backstreet Boys are back, and they’re ready to show us what they’re made of, all over again.
Get those tickets, brush up on your 90s dance moves, and prepare for an unforgettable experience!
After all, they’ve got it goin’ on, still.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Backstreet Boys Sphere Residency
What is the Backstreet Boys’ Las Vegas residency called?
The residency is called “Into the Millennium.”
Where is the Backstreet Boys residency being held?
The residency is being held at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
When does the Backstreet Boys’ “Into the Millennium” residency start?
The residency starts on July 11th.
How much do tickets for the Backstreet Boys Sphere show cost?
Tickets start at $85.
What is “Millennium 2.0”?
“Millennium 2.0” is a 25-track deluxe album boasting remastered hits, live recordings, demos, and even an alternate version of “I Want It That Way,” plus a brand-new track called “Hey.”
Reliving the Magic: The Backstreet Boys Legacy Continues
From their humble beginnings to conquering the Sphere, the Backstreet Boys’ journey is a testament to their enduring appeal and musical prowess.
Get ready to experience the magic of “Millennium” like never before in Las Vegas!
Ready to Go “Into the Millennium”?
- Check ticket availability on Ticketmaster and Vivid Seats.
- Brush up on your Backstreet Boys lyrics and dance moves.
- Prepare for an unforgettable night at the Sphere in Las Vegas!