Backstreet Boys Recall Drake’s First Kiss Being to Their Music, Pick Between *NSYNC and O-Town

The Backstreet Boys have provided the soundtrack to countless lives, but it turns out even hip-hop royalty like Drake isn’t immune to their pop charm. In a recent interview with Billboard, the legendary boy band recounted a memorable encounter with the Toronto superstar, revealing that Drake once confessed his very first kiss was shared to the sounds of a Backstreet Boys ballad.

    <p>During their sit-down with Jerah Milligan, members Nick Carter, Howie D, AJ McLean, Brian Littrell, and Kevin Richardson discussed the surreal moments when their children realized their parents' status as global icons. The conversation naturally shifted to an unforgettable night in Toronto during the group’s <em>DNA World Tour</em>.</p>

    <p>Richardson shared the story of how they were dining at a local restaurant when they were approached by the staff. "The maître d' pulled us aside and said, 'Drake is here, and he would love to come over and say hello when you're finished,'" Richardson recalled, noting the sheer excitement of his own kids. "My children were absolutely starstruck."</p>

    <p>The encounter turned into an iconic musical moment when Drake approached them with a surprising admission. "He told us that his first kiss happened while our music was playing," Richardson said. That bond led to a spontaneous invitation, with Drake ultimately joining the group on stage in his hometown to perform their signature hit, "I Want It That Way."</p>

    <p>Beyond reminiscing, the group is staying busier than ever. Following the release of "Bottle Up" for <em>PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie</em>, the band is preparing to return to Las Vegas for their high-energy residency at The Sphere, where they are celebrating the legacy of their record-breaking album, <em>Millennium</em>.</p>

    <p>Looking ahead to the Vegas shows, AJ McLean promised an immersive experience. "We’re taking the audience on a journey back to 1999," he explained. "It’s a massive production—we’re performing a classic arena-style show while an accompanying film plays behind us. It’s a sensory experience that’s truly something to behold."</p>

    <p>The group also tackled some fan-favorite "This or That" questions, including the age-old boy band debate: *NSYNC or O-Town? While the members navigated the question with diplomatic humor, their personal connections—such as Howie D’s college history with *NSYNC’s Chris Kirkpatrick—made for a lively exchange.</p>

    <p>To see the full interview and catch the group’s take on their legacy, watch the video above.</p>
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