Backstreet bad Boy AJ McLean is touring with the group in preparation for their new album due out in 2005 after a well-publicized rehab stint, some time off, and solo projects. AJ McLean was born on January 9, 1978 in West Palm Beach, Florida. He endured a rocky childhood dealing with his parent's divorce when he was still very young. The divorce affected him deeply, causing him to become troubled and frustrated. When the worst was over, a young AJ discovered his love for performing and started to pursue a career in acting, dancing and singing.

AJ moved to Orlando in 1992 to concentrate on his acting career and at auditions frequently ran into those who would become the Backstreet Boys – Howie, Nick and Kevin. The four formed a singing group and invited Kevin’s cousin Brian Littrell to join them. The rest is history, as the Backstreet Boys exploded to stardom in Europe, South America and Asia in 1995 and in 1997, scored hits in the United States with the singles "Quit Playin' Games (With My Heart)" and "As Long as You Love Me”. Their self-titled album sold over 13 million copies and their second album Millennium broke record sales with an astounding 1 million copies in its first week of release in the summer of 1999. Their third album, Black and Blue, was released in fall of 2000. However, they boys had to stop half way through their tour for Black and Blue due to AJ’s health.

AJ’s transformation into the tattooed and flirtatious bad boy began with the instant success of the Backstreet Boys when he was in his early teens. AJ’s success attracted people who were intoxicated by his fame, and AJ embraced his pop star caricature by taking people out and partying all night. When the Backstreet Boys released their third album Black and Blue, band members became distressed by AJ’s self-destructive behavior. His voice was faltering; he lost energy on stage and was not living up to his responsibilities within the group. After an intervention by his band mates in 2001, AJ checked himself into rehab to conquer alcohol abuse, depression and anxiety.

After rehab, those close to AJ say they saw an immediate change in his personality. AJ now recognizes that he needs to differentiate himself form the pop star persona. He needed to learn that when he walks off the stage, he becomes Alex.

AJ is also a big animal lover and is the proud owner of 3 dogs: Tank, Daisy and Serenity. Serenity is named after the prayer he would say every day while in recovery. “People think I’m a bad ass, but I’m not,” AJ confesses. “I play with my puppies, and I’m a huge animal lover – just a big sap.”

AJ and his fellow Backstreet Boys have just completed their much-anticipated fourth album due out in 2005. The boys recently toured South America, Asia and Europe at sold out shows and are preparing to release their first US single in early 2005. BSB fans are hungry to hear their heartthrobs once again!
 

Brian Littrell is forging a path into uncharted territory. Sure, other soloists have stepped out of their popular groups to do side projects. Some have soared into the upper stratosphere of pop music success, while others have disappointedly failed to meet expectations. But this confident, young man is doing something that has never been done before. With the Fall 2005 release of his solo CD for Provident Label Group's Reunion Records, Brian is following a call placed in his heart as a young boy and using his gargantuan platform to make a statement that it's okay to stand strong for what you believe in. Even if that thing you believe in is one of the most divisive issues in the world. It's enough to make even the bravest guy think twice. But not Brian.

Perhaps it's because he's able to stand on the astonishing success his group has attained. Nobody would blame him for that. Unbelievably, their upcoming tour of fifteen House of Blues dates sold out in twenty minutes. All of them. It'd be understandable if someone puffed out his chest a little. After 12 years together and more than 71 million albums sold around the world, the Backstreet Boys are arguably one of the most popular groups of the Billboard generation. On the day of the group's Millennium CD release, Times Square had to be shut down because nearly 30,000 people showed up.

Even still, Brian is convinced that all the worldly success he's achieved with the group has been merely a stepping-stone to something bigger, something more significant. The first solo recording heard from Brian was the Spring 2005 release of "In Christ Alone," a song that was singled off of the WOW #1's compilation album. This is a song that has been very close to him for years, and one that he had sung in various churches nearly fifteen years ago. Today, it stands as a purpose-statement for his new direction, his driving force, and his cornerstone.

"In Christ Alone I place my trust, and find my glory in the
power of the Cross. In every victory let it be said of me, my source of strength, my source of hope, is Christ alone."

Brian shares, "I've been a born-again Christian since I was eight years old and I've known for a very long time that this has been my calling. If I can do something that opens doors and benefits lives in some way, I hope to be able to do that. "

2005 is a busy year for the Backstreet Boys. A new CD release planned for the summer, as well as non-stop touring and promotion of the new project. Throw a solo project from Brian in the mix and you've got a crazy life. How is this the right time? Brian explains, "I've decided to listen more, and when you listen more, you get answers. God has laid this on my heart and it's time to do something about it. It's not my timing but His." With an unusual brand of focus and drive, Brian is choosing to use his days off from the group (even on tour) to promote this new project with television, radio, retail, and concert appearances.

Raised in Lexington, Kentucky, Brian was brought up attending a Baptist church with his family. He was into every sport, and singing in church. Actually most of his family were singers and musicians. He sees Christianity as a way of life, a choice. "To know love and compassion, and what is right and wrong in God's eyes." And through his music, he hopes to bring people closer to God, as well as educating people who do not know God. But all in a way that isn't offensive or condescending to anyone. "I want people to be drawn to what they hear and that goes for nonbelievers as well as believers," Brian explains. "That's breaking new ground and bringing people together."

Looking out over the audiences of sold-out stadium tours, Brian could see not just young kids and teenagers enjoying the show, but parents as well. That's something he hopes will continue with this new solo project. "Good quality music brings families together," he notes.

Stating that the other guys in the group have been nothing but supportive, he also adds that stylistically, his solo project will not stray too far from the sound that made the group so popular. "My record will sound a bit like the Backstreet Boys because that's a big part of me and that's where I am musically. It will also have a mixture of traditional gospel as well as contemporary Christian music."

Even though he is known worldwide, Brian is surprisingly laid-back, settled, and at ease. Hardly the marks of fawned over, travel-weary, superstars. He points to the relationship he has with his wife Leighanne and son Baylee as being the roots that keep him pulled down to earth, in the midst of all the screaming fans. "I think having a normal life outside of the Backstreet Boys keeps me in check. My wife and my son have everything to do with that. There is nothing more rewarding than having a loving wife and a strong, healthy little boy. That is what God has given me. I am blessed."

With this upcoming solo project, it's impossible to predict what's going to happen. But one thing is for sure, the world will be listening. Well, at least a few dozen million. Through it all, it's easy to believe Brian when he says that it's not about him. That it's not about acquiring any more fame or money or accolades. It's a bit bigger than that. It's a bit more brave than that. When all the applause for Brian fades away, his one hope remains. "The objective is to change the way people feel about God. There will come a day that God will be applauded."
 

If you have the opportunity to sit down with Backstreet Boy Howie Dorough, you will quickly discover why the nickname Sweet D has followed him since first joining the group. Virtually unaffected by fame, Howie is as approachable and as kind as a person could be. When asked how he would like to be remembered, without missing a beat Howie replies, “As a good person, a well-rounded entertainer and a family guy.” And this is exactly who he is.

Howie spent much of his childhood preparing for life in the spotlight. Introduced to the arts by his older sister Pollyanna at the age of six, he quickly found himself actively involved in the Orlando entertainment scene and eventually landed acting roles in local theater, movies such as “Parenthood” and “Cop and a Half”, and on multiple Nickelodeon productions. Spending his free time at auditions, rehearsals and various lessons, Howie became a true student of his craft.

Soon after his 19th birthday, Dorough auditioned for a musical group under the stage name Tony Donetti. But days turned into weeks and “Tony” never received a call back. In December of 1992, Howie received a call to audition for another group and decided to give it a try. Almost missing the audition because of unclear directions, he decided to drive a little further and make a right turn where the directions didn’t specify. Howie pulled up into the audition, and without knowing it, turned right into his future.

Upon walking into the audition, Howie stunned the people he was meeting with by giving them the Tony Donnetti that they had been looking for since he first auditioned for the group. Howie was shocked to find that he was once again auditioning for the same group and that they had been searching for him for months. Howie was in… and his life would never be the same.

Today, after selling over 71 million albums world-wide, Howie is sitting on the verge of releasing his fourth studio album with the Backstreet Boys and is as eager to see what the future will bring. His time is spent devoting his attention and skills to various creative projects including serving as a writer and producer on both Backstreet projects and projects of various other artists, acting and, along with his sister Pollyanna, serving as the public face for the Dorough Lupus Foundation, a charity that his family started in the memory of Howie’s oldest sister Caroline.

Through the Dorough Lupus Foundation both Howie and his family have raised over a half of a million dollars to support Lupus research and work closely with other families affected by the diseases to make sure that their needs are met in trying times. Using his celebrity, Howie has made great strides in bringing awareness to the relatively unknown disease of Lupus and has ultimately taken the terrible loss of his sister and used that to make the world a better place in her memory.

Whether he’s in the studio, on stage or spreading awareness, Howie is truly enjoying his life and looking forward to a future filled with endless possibilities!

Almost a decade after his life as a Backstreet Boy began, Kevin Richardson is as humble as he was the day it all started. Enjoying the moments and embracing the opportunities, Kevin has undoubtedly come a long way but he still holds close the people and memories that have helped guide him to this place in his life.

A native of Lexington, Kentucky, Kevin grew up singing in church, playing sports and enjoying the outdoors. Music was always a constant and as a teenager he was often seen jotting down lyrics or playing the piano. In high school, he was involved with activities ranging from musicals to football. His desire for perfection led him to success in everything he did and helped him develop a work ethic and personal versatility that would drive his future successes.

In the early 1990’s, after graduating from high school, Kevin moved to Orlando, Florida to pursue performing opportunities. It was in Orlando that Kevin met up with Nick, Howie and AJ and together they formed the Backstreet Boys. Soon after becoming a group, Kevin invited his cousin Brian to join and the rest is Backstreet history. Since the Backstreet Boys began they have seen record sales of over 65 million albums world wide, have sold out countless tours and have received a multitude of awards acknowledging their exceptional harmonies and contributions to pop culture.

Kevin has also become an active advocate of colon cancer awareness and prevention, a cause that has become particularly important to him since losing his father, Jerald Wayne Richardson, to the disease in 1991. In 2001, Kevin joined several congresspeople, including Congresswoman Slaughter of New York, on Capitol Hill to introduce the “Eliminate Colorectal Cancer Act.” This was established to promote early detection and treatment of colon cancer.

In 2003 Kevin made his Broadway acting debut as the super-smooth lawyer Billy Flynn in the musical “Chicago" (a role he also played on the London West End stage and at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Theatre). In addition to his work in “Chicago,” Kevin also performed in several regional theatrical productions during his hiatus from Backstreet.

Kevin also founded the Just Within Reach Foundation (JWRF) – an organization bearing the initials of his late father - dedicated to providing education and promoting personal responsibility for keeping the environment clean of potential cancer-causing pollutants and toxins. Kevin has worked tirelessly the past several years to help further the goals of JWRF, including participating in the Olympic Torch Relay in honor of the foundation and testifying before a Congressional committee. Through the foundation, Kevin has also distributed over a dozen scholarships to environmental science majors and has worked with National Geographic to make an educational video on heroes in American history.

Moving forward Kevin hopes to continue his outreach by lending his voice, time and passion to the Natural Resources Defense Council and Kentuckians For The Commonwealth. Currently, Kevin resides in Los Angeles with his wife, Kristin, and is preparing for the release of a new Backstreet Boys album in June of 2005.

Nick Carter is taking his career to new levels. The blonde-haired, blue-eyed heartthrob from the Backstreet Boys is back with the group and making his acting debut. Nick has practically grown up on stage in front of millions of adoring fans and has now matured by degrees, which is reflected in his vocals. He has experienced success both as a member of the Backstreet Boys - who have sold 60 million albums - and also as a solo artist.

Starting as the youngest member of the Backstreet Boys at the tender age of twelve and performing all across the world with the group for seven years, Nick is expanding both the depth and breadth of his career in music and his career overall. He is dedicated to his bandmates, focused on his future in the music industry, and has entered the field of acting with desire and dedication to learn the craft.

Nick’s dreamy looks, warm smile and sexy vocals are now complimented by his maturity and experience. He is taking that experience and expressing it through both his music – he is crossing over into heading his own record label, and into acting in both film and television.

The success of Carter’s solo album, Now or Never, was just his first individual career endeavor. As his hectic world-wide schedule was winding down, Carter decided to commit himself to becoming an all-around entertainer by pursuing his passionate interest in acting. After meeting hot young producer Dan Levin, Carter auditioned for the Platform Entertainment feature, The Hollow, an updated remake of the classic Sleepy Hollow. Levin deemed Carter a natural and cast him in the starring role of Brody, a brooding football jock opposite Kaley Cucko of “8 Simple Rules” fame and Kevin Zegers ("Air Bud," "Wrong Turn," and "Dawn of the Dead").

The buzz about Carter’s acting prowess grew during the production of The Hollow. His name was sizzling among Hollywood circles for a number of high profile roles and even a TV sitcom. Carter, however, decided he wanted to firmly entrench himself in smaller features before accepting roles in big Hollywood mainstream films. Thus decided, Carter chose The Lions Gate production, The Brew, from director Toby Hooper who is best known for his productions of the “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and “Poltergeist.” Again Carter teamed up with producer Dan Levin, with filming on the feature which began in October 2004. In The Brew, Carter stars as Ian, a college student who inherits a brewery and decides to sell it for money. As he and his friends clean the place, lurking in the cellar are some long-dead ancestors who have been locked away, living off beer made from human blood. The ancestors get loose and lock the kids in the brewery, where the feeding begins. Movie co-stars include Amanda Plummer.

Even with his busy schedule, life is not all work for Nick Carter. When not recording or touring, he enjoys surfing, sailing, boating, and diving. Carter feels very strongly about protecting the ocean, and to do his part to help preserve the ocean he created Nick Carter’s Ocean Campaign. Carter feels very strongly about the environment and intends to become more involved to help protect it.

As a result of his upbringing and successful music career, Carter has learned and experienced a lot more of the world than the typical American teenager. This, he says, has made him, “much more caring and aware when it comes to the world and the people, creatures, and ecosystems that share this planet.” Carter is looking forward to sharing his experiences with as many people as he can, and in learning more about the potential and dimensions that life has to offer.