variety.com
06.09.2022 / 23:05
Backstreet Boys Reveal Surprising *NSYNC Influence on New Christmas Album, Tease Plans for 30th That Will ‘Break Everyone’s Brains’
Leena Tailor For years, the Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC have been labelled rivals despite sharing deep friendships and embarking on professional collaborations. But in the ultimate reminder there’s no bad blood between the two mega pop groups, AJ McLean and Nick Carter have revealed one *NSYNC member made a mark on the group’s upcoming holiday album, “A Very Backstreet Christmas.” The band quietly dropped the album’s first single, a cover of Wham!’s “Last Christmas,” today (Sept. 6), ahead of the project’s Oct. 14 release. Their first holiday collection features both covers and original music, and when asked about any surprising influences on the new tracks, McLean tells Variety that Justin Timberlake inspired one song.