Backstreet Boys Delight Fans With ‘I Want It That Way’ Performance From Their Homes

By Greta Bjornson @greatbjornson
Published March 30, 2020, 1:00 p.m. ET

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Backstreet’s back! The ’90s boy band reunited for a concert from their living rooms on Sunday night (March 29) to perform their 1999 hit “I Want It That Way” to millions of fans watching from their own homes. The group joined other musical artists to help raise money for coronavirus relief efforts as part of Fox’s iHeart Living Room Concert For America hosted by Elton John.

AJ McLean, Howie Dorough, Nick Carter, Brian Littrell and Kevin Richardson all recorded their own parts to the song and gave us a glimpse into their home lives, too, even if they were filming from five different states. Littrell opened up the performance by recognizing “frontline responders that are putting themselves in harm’s way to protect their fellow citizens.” Carter and Richardson got a little help performing from their kids, bringing them in to the musical number (and reminding everyone how long it’s been since the Backstreet Boys released their first album). Like many of us watching from home, the band rocked their best loungewear — no leather jacket or silk shirt in sight.

“Thank you @iHeartRadio and @FOXTV for having us! Grateful we were able to be a part of such an amazing night. Stay home and stay safe everyone! <3″ McLean tweeted after the performance. 

The dose of 90s nostalgia delighted fans who watched Sunday’s live concert, with the reaction on social media full of positive messages, and even some emotional ones. The band had to cancel the Latin American leg of their DNA Tour this month due to coronavirus, so their living room performance was a rare chance for fans to see them perform live.

Along with the Backstreet Boys, the concert also featured Mariah Carey, Billie Eilish, Dave Grohl, Tim McGraw and many other artists. The concert was organized to help raise money for charities supporting coronavirus relief and to honor first responders to the health crisis. If you missed it last night, it’s up on Youtube now.