If their sellout tour and tempting promotional gimmicks are anything to judge by, 'N Sync are all set to break their own record of 2.4 million album sales in the first week of release with their forthcoming album Celebrity. However, while 'N Sync continue to go from strength to strength, US journalists have re-ignited their old rivalry with the Backstreet Boys, suggesting the original record holders are failing to keep up.
According to reports, while 'N Sync's current PopOdyssey tour has proved a smash hit, Backstreet Boys are struggling to sell out dates on their own Black & Blue tour. 'N Sync's stadium concerts are pulling in 40,000 - 50,000 fans per show but the BSBs who have plumped for a more modest arena tour, are failing to attract gig-goers, with Nashville radio DJ Brian Krysz admitting, 'We have tonnes of tickets to give away because no one wants to buy them.' What's more, the BSBs Black & Blue album is only at No 114 in the US album charts. Backstreet Boys sold 1.6 million copies of Black & Blue in its first week of release, compared to 'N Sync's 2.4 million sales.
Meanwhile, 'N Sync are endeavouring to ensure they beat or at least equal the record breaking sales of their No Strings Attached album by offering US fans who pre-order Celebrity, which is released on 24 July, the chance to register for a recorded telephone message from their favourite band member to be played on their answer phone or voice mail. The tape will also include clips of three tracks from the album.
But despite their heavy promotion, 'N Sync's latest single Pop has not made much of a mark on the US singles charts, currently peaking in the Billboard Hot 100 at No 19. Backstreet Boys' new single More Than That is at No 27.
