I have to admit that when I first heard about AJ's solo endeavors, I was quite amused. People always joke about members of boybands trying to break away and make a name for themselves with rather unsatisfactory consequences (although with the success of Jordan, Joey, and Ricky--all products of boyband fame-- one might begin to question the joke...). Somehow, picturing AJ belting out rock n roll songs was just hysterically funny in my opinion.

Boy was I wrong.

Not only was AJ's performance superb, he proved himself to be a versatile entertainer, worthy of every ounce of fame he has. As Johnny No-Name, the badboy ever present-cowboy hat wearing AJ of the Backstreet Boys is obsolete. Instead, we have Johnny- zoot suit, British accent and witty personality. Johnny's show consists of rock covers dating from the recent (think Collective Soul, etc)to the classic (i.e. "Bad to the Bone"... Bone being AJ's nickname of course), along with a few BSB songs (including an amazing song called "If You Knew What I Knew," which AJ wrote, originally supposed to be on the Millenium album, and available as a B-side on the "Larger Than Life" import single...I SUGGEST YOU *BUY* IT!), and a rendition of Brian McKnight's r&b hit "Back at One."

Overall, the show was amazing. It was great to see AJ's (or Johnny's) talent in so many areas of music. Not only can he hold his own in pop music, but he's just as capable of singing rock or r&b. AJ's personality shines through during these performances, with his sharp wit and sparkling personality ever-present. Another surprise of the evening was the appearance of the BSB's Howie D during the closing number of "Brick House." This is definitely a show to see if you get the chance...

**A Note on Opening Acts**: For this show, the opening acts were Mindy (the sax/percussionist of the Millenium tour) and new girl-group Nobody's Angel (who recently had a cameo in Justin Timberlake's acting debut "Model Behavior.") Mindy was so-so, most of her songs sounding a bit whiny and forced, but her voice was very unique. Nobody's Angel was also impressive, although Allie needs to take a chill pill. I predict that their new single "I Can't Help Myself" (the track performed during the prom scene in "Model Behavior") will definitely be a hit. Go to our New Artists page for more information on them.