In a night that felt surreal, the Backstreet Boys kicked off their Into the Millennium residency at Sphere in Las Vegas, captivating an audience amid stunning visuals and nostalgic anthems.
The spectacle began with a giant spacecraft descending from the ceiling—a dramatic entrance reminiscent of blockbuster films like Independence Day—setting the stage for the iconic boy band.
Dressed in gleaming white, nearly all of the 18,000 fans in attendance paid homage to the group’s 1999 album, Millennium, which introduced countless hits. The show launched with the upbeat track “Larger Than Life,” marking the Backstreet Boys as the first pop act to take the stage in this cutting-edge venue.
Vocalist AJ McLean expressed his astonishment, exclaiming, “Forgive me, but holy s**t dude, look at this place! This is insane.”
He continued to praise the fans, stating, “You guys are the best fans in the universe, period.” His emotional remarks highlighted the bond between the band and their audience.
Emotions and energy soared as the technologically advanced Sphere showcased its 16k resolution screen, transforming the venue into an immersive experience that transported attendees to otherworldly realms.
Fans reported feeling as if they were part of a live music video, with the setting changing dynamically around them, even prompting some to duck as animated visuals shot past.
One concertgoer summed it up neatly, saying, “It’s all about the screen,” yet the real power lay in the connection between the performers and their fans.
Following their initial residency on the Las Vegas Strip from 2017-2019, the Backstreet Boys returned stronger than ever, proving themselves as pop royalty and influential figures in the entertainment scene at Sphere.
The harmonies echoed throughout the venue, delivering warmth on fan-favorite tracks such as “As Long As You Love Me” and “All I Have to Give,” even as Brian Littrell’s vocal condition caused some adjustments.
Nick Carter’s youthful energy remained as vibrant as ever, while AJ McLean’s powerful voice resonated on classics like “Don’t Want You Back.”
The band also took time to connect deeply with their audience through a heartfelt medley featuring several lesser-known tracks.
Howie Dorough showcased his impressive vocal skills with the poignant “Spanish Eyes,” proving that he has not aged a day, while AJ led the group in the tender rendition of “No One Else Comes Close,” emphasizing the camaraderie among the band members.
As the night progressed, the energy reached a fever pitch, culminating in the electrifying finale of “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back).”
The audience could hardly contain their excitement, dancing and singing along with fervor as Sphere’s visuals intensified, creating an unforgettable experience.
After three decades in the industry, the Backstreet Boys have undoubtedly cemented their status as pop legends.
The residency runs through several dates in July and August, offering fans a chance to relive their youth and celebrate the music that defined a generation.
Tickets are available starting at $298, ensuring that this once-in-a-lifetime experience remains accessible to their dedicated followers, who continue to embrace the magic that is the Backstreet Boys.
For more information or to purchase tickets, fans can visit ticketmaster.com.
image source from:lasvegasweekly