Sweeping the RS Reader's Poll, the Boys win Artists of the Year, Band of the Year, Album of the Year, Single of the Year, Best Video, Best Dressed, Best Fan Site, Best Tour, and Biggest Hype.
Go to Rolling Stone to read more about BSB.
Source: Rolling Stone
Sweeping the RS Reader's Poll, the Boys win Artists of the Year, Band of the Year, Album of the Year, Single of the Year, Best Video, Best Dressed, Best Fan Site, Best Tour, and Biggest Hype.
Go to Rolling Stone to read more about BSB.
THE LAST MILLENNIUM TV OF THE MILLENNIUM
Source: backstreetboys.com newsletter
Hey!
MILLENNIUM TV - EPISODE 3. Behind the Scenes at the Rolling StoneMagazine
Cover Photo Shoot
Have you seen the new Rolling Stone magazine? The one with a certain five Boys on the cover? Wonder what it takes to get them all looking so great? Curious about how they ended up with their pants around their ankles? These questions and more are answered in the new episode of MILLENNIUM TV!Check it out: Millennium TV.
Catch a new episode of Millennium TV every Thursday.
Have a great New Year and stay safe!
Billboard Chart Toppers
Source: Infobeat
The most popular recordings for 1999 as published in Billboard magazine. Provided by the Associated Press.
*Top 10 Singles*
1 - BELIEVE - Cher. Warner Bros.
2 - NO SCRUBS - TLC. Laface/Arista.
3 - ANGEL OF MINE - Monica. Arista.
4 - HEARTBREAK HOTEL - Whitney Houston (Feat. Faith Evans/Kelly
Price). Arista.
5 - BABY ONE MORE TIME - Britney Spears. Jive.
6 - KISS ME - Sixpence None The Richer. Squint/Columbia.
7 - GENIE IN A BOTTLE - Christina Aguilera. RCA.
8 - EVERY MORNING - Sugar Ray. Lava/Atlantic.
9 - NOBODY'S SUPPOSED TO BE HERE - Deborah Cox. Arista.
10 - LIVIN' LA VIDA LOCA - Ricky Martin. C2.
*Top 10 Albums*
1 - MILLENNIUM - Backstreet Boys. Jive.
2 - BABY ONE MORE TIME - Britney Spears. Jive.
3 - COME ON OVER - Shania Twain. Mercury Nashville.
4 - 'N SYNC - 'N Sync. RCA.
5 - RICKY MARTIN - Ricky Martin. C2/Columbia.
6 - DOUBLE LIVE - Garth Brooks. Capitol Nashville.
7 - AMERICANA - The Offspring. Columbia.
8 - WIDE OPEN SPACES - Dixie Chicks. Monument/Sony Nashville.
9 - SIGNIFICANT OTHER - Limp Bizkit. Flip/Interscope.
10 - FANMAIL - TLC. Laface/Arista.
*Top Pop Artist*
1 - BACKSTREET BOYS
2 - TLC
3 - BRITNEY SPEARS
4 - SHANIA TWAIN
5 - RICKY MARTIN
Top40 Chart Toppers
*Top 1999 Singles*
1 - BELIEVE - Cher. Warner Bros.
2 - NO SCRUBS - TLC. Laface/Arista.
3 - ANGEL OF MINE - Monica. Arista.
4 - HEARTBREAK HOTEL - Whitney Houston (Feat. Faith Evans/Kelly
Price). Arista.
5 - BABY ONE MORE TIME - Britney Spears. Jive.
6 - KISS ME - Sixpence None The Richer. Squint/Columbia.
7 - GENIE IN A BOTTLE - Christina Aguilera. RCA.
8 - EVERY MORNING - Sugar Ray. Lava/Atlantic.
9 - NOBODY'S SUPPOSED TO BE HERE - Deborah Cox. Arista.
10 - LIVIN' LA VIDA LOCA - Ricky Martin. C2.
*Top 1999 Albums*
1 - MILLENNIUM - Backstreet Boys. Jive.
2 - BABY ONE MORE TIME - Britney Spears. Jive.
3 - COME ON OVER - Shania Twain. Mercury Nashville.
4 - 'N SYNC - 'N Sync. RCA.
5 - RICKY MARTIN - Ricky Martin. C2/Columbia.
6 - DOUBLE LIVE - Garth Brooks. Capitol Nashville.
7 - AMERICANA - The Offspring. Columbia.
8 - WIDE OPEN SPACES - Dixie Chicks. Monument/Sony Nashville.
9 - SIGNIFICANT OTHER - Limp Bizkit. Flip/Interscope.
10 - FANMAIL - TLC. Laface/Arista.
*Top Pop Artist*
1 - BACKSTREET BOYS
2 - TLC
3 - BRITNEY SPEARS
4 - SHANIA TWAIN
5 - RICKY MARTIN
Source: The Filipino Press
BY LAINIE ALCONES
LAS VEGAS, Nevada - "BACKSTREET BOYS! BACKSTREET BOYS! BACKSTREET BOYS!" These are the words that are being uttered by every warm-blooded teenage (and older) girls throughout the United States. For The Backstreet Boys (BSB) are the singing sensation that has "ruled" the music-pop industry this year.
To show the enormous impact that these five young men, named Kevin Richardson, AJ McLean, Howie Dorough, Nick Carter, and Brian Littrell, has had on the young girls and mature women of this country, it must be noted that their North American tour, that began in September, has been sold out at every city. It is also worth mentioning that the day that the BSB tickets went on sale, every event sold out in 10 minutes!!!
To add to their tremendous success, last month BSB held a fan conference in Las Vegas, NV at the MGM Hotel, where thousands of fans lined up to meet and ask questions to the band. Many were out of towners that traveled a long way just to have a glimpse of the boys. Several of the fans came from Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle, Denver, San Antonio, and many other places to get close and personal with BSB.
At the conference, the room was filled with many young and excited faces, waiting patiently for BSB to come out. Once the boys appeared, the room began to hum with vibrancy and heart-stirring cries of, "I Love You Brian!" "BSB Rules!" and "You're Wonderful Nick!" The boys seemed flattered with all the warm and loving words that the fans shouted out to them.
Once the conference got on its way, the questions that flowed out were not all concerning the fans' crazed emotions of the band. Some were serious and deep questions about the future and the direction of where their music is heading. There were also inquiries about the problems occurring within their record label and their true feelings about 'N Sync, another popular music group that is considered to be "competition" to BSB, joining their record label.
Kevin, who is the oldest in the group, answered the question with ease, by responding that they are concerned about some of the decisions that their record label has made, but the problem is in the process of being resolved to benefit each side.
With all seriousness aside, there were a few moments of "goofing" around by both parties. There was a moment when a fan asked if she could sing a verse from the song, "Anywhere For You," in Spanish. With much glee, BSB complied with her request and even sang along with her. Another fun filled time was when a fan asked if any of the boys had a special talent, meaning anything besides singing and dancing. Brian blurted out that AJ can impersonate Bull Weevil (a cartoon character) to the crowd. With that fact known, everyone urged AJ on to do his impersonation. Of course, AJ entertained the fans by performing a little dialogue of Bull Weevil, and acting it out by using his hands as antlers to enhance his skit. The fans loved it!
The Las Vegas Conference was a huge success, just like all the BSB fan conferences that has been held since their popularity has risen. It is a just a small notation of how "big" BSB has gotten since their six years of formation. And despite all the negative remarks made by music critics who has labeled them a "teeny bopper" group and has stated that BSB will eventually lose its stamina in the long run, just like their predecessors, New Kids On The Block (NKOTB), New Edition, and Duran Duran, the group seems quite confident that they are more than just "pretty boys" living out a dream.
With being named Billboard's "Artist of the Year," and their CD, "Millennium," being awarded, "Album of the Year," BSB is definitely not a failing element. The internet is one prime example of their success, as BSB's official website receives more than a hundred hits a day by their fans wanting to know more about their favorite group.
There are several other types of clubs conjured up by BSB fans to honor the band - i.e. Backstreet Boys Fanatics, Backstreet Boys Empire, Backstreet Boys Forever, and Roll With The Backstreet Boys. These internet type of clubs are lingering around the 'net for many people to log onto. The fans also have created many chat communities for fellow BSB fans to "unite" together, where their motto is "Keep The Backstreet Pride Alive!"
Denise McLean (AJ's mother), who operates the Official Backstreet Boys Fan Club's Headquarters in Orlando, stated that they receive hundreds and hundreds of letters by adoring fans from all over the United States. There are also Backstreet Boy Fan Clubs' Headquarters in Europe and Canada that receives the same amount of fan mail as the one in Orlando.
Needless to say, The Backstreet Boys is a very successful group. And as 1999 comes to an end, BSB is not. Regardless what critics and anti-fans of the group may say, The Backstreet Boys are here to stay!!!
Magazine Critics' Picks And Readers Polls For '99
Source: CDnow All Star news
 Backstreet Boys |
Rage Against the Machine may not have sold nearly as many units, but that didn't stop The Battle of Los Angeles from earning accolades from Rolling Stone and Time. Circus readers say Korn kicks all ass. The folks at Pitchfork Media don't care who's the best, only the worst. They picked the 100 Worst Guitar Solos Ever, slamming Eric Clapton's work on Derek & the Domino's "Let It Rain."
Since everyone is a critic, here's what the critics (and some readers) have to say:
Rolling Stone Readers' Poll:
Artist of the Year: Backstreet Boys
Band of the Year: Backstreet Boys
Album of the Year: Backstreet Boys, Millennium
Single of the Year: Backstreet Boys, "I Want it That Way"
Best Tour: Backstreet Boys
Best Video: Backstreet Boys, "Larger Than Life"
Best Dressed: Backstreet Boys
Best Album Cover: Backstreet Boys, Millennium
Best Fan Site: Backstreet Boys
Best Hype: Backstreet Boys
Male Artist: Kid Rock
Female Artist: Britney Spears
New Artist: Christina Aguilera
 Rage Against the Machine |
Artist of the Year: Rage Against the Machine
Album of the Year: Rage Against the Machine, The Battle of Los Angeles
Single of the Year: TLC, "No Scrubs"
Male Artist: Kid Rock
Female Artist: Mary J. Blige
New Artist: Eminem
Spin:
Album of the Year: Nine Inch Nails, The Fragile
Time:
Album of the Year: Rage Against The Machine, The Battle of Los Angeles
 Ricky Martin |
Album of the Year: Robbie Williams, The Ego Has Landed
People:
25 Most Intriguing People of 1999: highest-ranking musician, Ricky Martin
R.I.A.A.:
Artist of the Year: Backstreet Boys
Female Artist of the Year: Britney Spears
 Britney Spears |
Top Grossing Touring Act of 1999: the Rolling Stones
Circus:
Band of the Millennium: Korn
New Musical Express:
Top 50 Albums of the Year: Flaming Lips, The Soft Bulletin
Top 50 Singles of the Year: Aphex Twin, "Windowlicker"
Q:
Album of the Year: Basement Jaxx, Remedy
Muzik:
Album of the Year: Basement Jaxx, Remedy
Single of the Year, TLC, "No Scrubs"
Select:
Artist of the Year: Stereophonics
 Wynton Marsalis |
Critics' Artist of the Year: trumpeter Dave Douglas
Readers Artist of the Year: trumpeter Wynton Marsalis
Modern Drummer:
Most Influential Artist of the Decade: Gene Krupa
EQ:
Best Recording of All Times: the Beatles, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Gear :
100 Greatest Albums of the Century: the Beatles, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Los Angeles Times:
Album of the Year: Beck, Midnight Vultures
Pitchfork Media:
100 Worst Guitar Solos Ever: No. 1, Derek & the Dominos, "Let It Rain"
-- Donna DeChristopher
"Show Me The Meaning" debuts at #74 on the Billboard top 100 based on airplay alone. This is amazing because the single was officially released only *one* chart week ago! Hopefully, it will be released as a CD single in the US because the song has a high chance to become BSB's first ever #1 single due to such great early radio support!
Source: Billboard
Backstreet Boys' album 'Millennium' are up to #2 this week after selling 500,000 units. 'Millennium' have now been in the chart for 32 weeks!
Teen People '99 Poll Results
Source: Teen People Magazine (AOL Keyword Teen People)
The results are in for this years Teen People poll.
Best Boy Band: Backstreet Boys
Musical Act With All The Right Moves: Backstreet Boys
Best Milk Mustache: Backstreet Boys
Best Music Video: "I Want It That Way"
Best Celeb Facial Hair: A.J. McLean
Most Creatice Coif: A.J. McLean
Best Summer Blockbuster: Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me
Best Bad Guy: Dr. Evil
Fav Female Movie Star: Drew Barrymore
Best New Artist: Christina Aguilera
Best Make-Out Ballad: "I Do (Cherish You)"
Coolest Comeback: Jordan Knight
Best Summer Tour: *NSync
Dream Duet: Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears
Hip Hop's Hottest: Lauryn Hill
Comeback You Crave: No Doubt
Fav Funny Man: Adam Sandler
Fav Male Movie Star: Adam Sandler
Match Made In Heaven: Cory and Topanga (Boy Meets World)
Fav Flick Set In High School: She's All That
Female Superstar In The Making: Rachael Leigh Cook
Male Superstar In The Making: Freddie Prinze Jr.
Best On Screen Kiss: Rachael Leigh Cook and Freddie Prinze Jr. (She's All That)
Biggest Gross Out: Freddie Prinze Jr.'s pizza-with-pubic-hair revenge scene
Fav MTV DJ: Carson Daly
Best All Around Entertainer: Will Smith
Most Memorable Fashion Statement: Britney Spears's Catholic-school cool
Saddest Sayonara: Home Improvements Final Episode
Coolest Cartoon: Daria
Best Day Time Soap: Time of Our Lives
Diva In Demand: Mariah Carey
TV Show You'd Never Surf During: Dawson's Creek
Fav Male TV Star: Joshua Jackson
Fav Female TV Star: Katie Holmes
You'd Rather : Live in a house with seven total strangers on The Real World
In The Biggest Spin-Off Face-Off of The New TV Season, Your Loyalties Are With: Time Of Your Life
Best Rock Act: Limp Bizkit
Felicity's Great(er) Scott: Speedman
Source: "The Official book - Westlife Our story"
If you didn't know, Westlife is a Ireland Boyband who were influenced by the Backstreet Boys. They are managed by Ronan Keating, A member of Boyzone. So far, they have hits like "Swear It Again", "If I Let You Go" and "Flying Without Wings". You can visit their official site at http://www.westlife.co.uk/
Here are some interesting bits from their official book regarding the Backstreet Boys:
 |
| Nicky of Westlife reading the famous official biography of the backstreet boys by Rob Mcgibbon |
The American pop superstars were playing two gigs at the RDS Arena, one of Dublin´s premier venues, and Louis knew the promoter was looking for a good support act. The Sligo boys (Westlife) were such big Backstreet Boys fans that they already had tickets for one of the shows, so to be told they would meet their heroes, then star on the same stage, was beyond belief.
Kian says "When Louis rang and told us the news, Shane and I were actually shaking. I´m telling you, we had tears rolling down our faces, we were hugging each other and jumping around. We were going to the concerts as fans anyway, but suddenly we were going to be part of the show. It was like we were dreaming.
It was an unreal situation. They were being guided by Ireland´s pop guru and were suddenly supporting the biggest boy band in the world!
The night before the concert, all the guys were crammed into a small flat just a short walk from the RDS when they suddenly heard loud music from the arena. It was the unmistakable opening beat to the Backstreet Boys´monster hit "Everybody". They sprinted to the venue, looked through the windows and saw their American idols sound-checking and going through final rehearsals for the show. Tomorrow, IOU would be on that stage.
The whole experience was dreamlike for the guys. They arrived at the arena to see thousands of excited fans miling around outside and then they saw the mass of seats slowly filing up. Backstage, the boys got to meet Howie, then Kevin and AJ, and then they played basketball with Nick and Brian. Was this all really happening to them?
 |
| Nicky of Westlife with the backstreet boys quadruple platinum award |
We told them that we had started out by singing their songs and they were saying things like, "Hey, thank you, we´re really honoured". I suppose I was a bit starstruck. I´d not met anyone famous before, but they were really nice guys, really down to earth, and they asked us questions about how we were getting on. They were really hoping everything worked out for us and we were able to ask them all the questions we wanted. We were asking about certain songs we liked and loads of general things. We were all a bit dazed. it was like, one minute the band was not really happening in Sligo, the next we were meeting and supporting the Backstreet boys".
Westlife´s album was out in the UK on Nov 1st, and on their thank you´s the boys include the BSB. Bryan McFadden of Westlife tells everyone that his fave band is the BSB, and B-rok is his idol.
(...The funny thing is that I (Katarina) is a fan of two groups; of course BSB, and the other band is Westlife. I was the one who was shaking when I met Westlife! Go and check out my page about Westlife; Westlife Online...)
Rolling Stone Cover... Boxers
Source: Nando Media
(December 22, 1999 10:04 a.m. EST http://www.nandotimes.com) - Thank heaven for little girls, for little girls keep big record companies in business. And don't blame those teens and pre-teens for making Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears the big stories of 1999 in the music world. Blame the "credible" acts for failing to come up with viable competition.
For it was the Backstreet Boys who spearheaded an Anglo-pop explosion that included other boy bands such as 'N Sync and 98 Degrees as well as young solo women such as Spears and Christina Aguilera. Their only competition was a Latin pop explosion (that sounded suspiciously Anglo) led by Ricky Martin and including Enrique Iglesias, Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez and ... Santana (?!).
Together, these acts sold about 50 million albums in 1999.
By contrast, "failure" was the key word for almost everything that didn't pop.
Rock had a grim year, with such former beloved acts as Stone Temple Pilots, Live, 311, Bush and Nine Inch Nails plunging quickly down the charts. And though Rage Against the Machine debuted at No. 1 late in the year, that group was also pulling a fast fade.
So who in rock could put brains on the chart to counter all that bubblegum sentimentalism?
Limp Bizkit? Kid Rock?
Please, they're about as intelligent as Jewel's book of poetry. Yet they were the source of rock's dubious salvation. No wonder Woodstock '99 started getting ugly about the time Limp Bizkit took the stage.
It was a nasty year for urban music, too, as Puff Daddy, Master P, Mary J. Blige and O.D.B. all tanked. The most successful rap act of the year was Eminem, and how sad is that?
But rap is getting what it deserves. The genre has broken apart into franchises - e.g. the Ruff Ryders and No Limit Records - and members of each group appear all over each other's releases until it's hard to figure out who the primary act is. (Did someone say they couldn't tell Spears and Aguilera apart?)
Elsewhere, some key female singers took it easy: Sarah McLachlan, Natalie Merchant and Sheryl Crow cut live albums, and McLachlan officially laid to rest the Lilith Fair. And apparently lesbian chic is over: Just ask Melissa Etheridge and Indigo Girls what happened to their '99 releases.
While we're wondering what happened, the Ghost Town Formerly Known as Nashville was awfully quiet all year, perhaps in shock that Garth Brooks completely flipped out - and wiped out - with his alter ego's rock album. Plus the biggest-selling country act was a Canadian (Shania Twain) who was only a little bit country - and whose "Come on Over" has been around for more than two years.
Maybe millennium fever's to blame, but it seemed like everyone was trying to make a mark this year. Cher's improbable comeback was beyond belief, and other old-timers such as Whitney Houston, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and TLC came out fine. Old-timers such as Sting, Eurythmics and Blondie didn't.
It may have been a lousy year for music with integrity, yet we partied like it was 1999 (no thanks to yet another misfire by The Artist). So if the Grammy Award for best album comes down to the Backstreet Boys vs. Ricky Martin, who's to blame?
Chuck Campbell is a music critic at The Knoxville News-Sentinel in Tennessee.
Backstreet Boys Top-Selling Recording Artists Of Year
Source: Sonicnet
Women otherwise dominate, with big sales by Britney Spears, Shania Twain, Dixie Chicks, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion.
Staff Writer Brian Hiatt reports:
Pop group the Backstreet Boys are the best-selling recording artists of 1999, the Recording Industry Association of America said Tuesday (Dec. 21).
During the year, the boy band sold 10 million copies of its newest album, Millennium, as well as 3 million copies of its previous release, Backstreet Boys (1997), according to the RIAA, the industry group that tracks such figures.
"This has been another phenomenal year for the Backstreet Boys, proving that their sensational rookie year was no fluke," RIAA President Hilary Rosen said in a statement.
Despite the Backstreet Boys' dominance, 1999 will go down as the year of the women.
Teen-pop star Britney Spears was the year's second-best-selling artist, as well as the top-selling female artist, with 10 million copies sold of her debut album, ... Baby One More Time, featuring the title track (RealAudio excerpt), according to the RIAA. Spears and the Backstreet Boys each received Diamond Awards for their most recent albums, signifying more than 10 million copies sold.
Other top-selling female artists included Shania Twain, whose Come On Over was the year's best-selling country album with 9 million copies sold, even though it was released two years ago. The Dixie Chicks sold a combined total of 8 million copies of their two albums, Wide Open Spaces and Fly, while Mariah Carey and Celine Dion had 6 million in sales apiece.
The year's three best-selling rock albums were Supernatural, the comeback effort from veteran Latin-rock group Santana, and two rock-rap efforts, Kid Rock's Devil Without a Cause (1998) and Limp Bizkit's Significant Other. All three albums sold 5 million copies each, according to the RIAA.
TLC's Fanmail, with 5 million copies sold, and Lauryn Hill's The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998), with 4 million copies sold, were the best-selling R&B/hip-hop albums of 1999.
Latin-pop singer Ricky Martin was the year's best-selling male solo artist, with 6 million copies sold of his self-titled English-language debut, according to the industry group.
Rapper Eminem, with pop singers Lou Bega and Christina Aguilera, had the year's most successful debuts. Aguilera sold 4 million copies of her album, while Eminem and Bega sold 3 million copies of theirs.
The RIAA bases its figures on shipments to retailers, not retail sales. he latter numbers are significantly lower, for the most part.
Consumers have purchased 8.2 million copies of Millennium and 7.3 million copies of ... Baby One More Time, according to SoundScan figures, for instance, though the RIAA lists sales for each album at 10 million.
Backstreet Boys Outsell Britney in '99
Source: Billboard
The BACKSTREET BOYS' Millennium outsold BRITNEY SPEARS' ...Baby One More Time to become the top-selling album of 1999, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. With eleven million records shipped, the Boys beat out Britney by one million. Coming in behind the teen sensations were RICKY MARTIN's self-titled album (with six million), and TLC's Fanmail, KID ROCK's Devil Without a Cause, LIMP BIZKIT's Significant Other and SANTANA's Supernatural, with five million apiece . .
Backstreet Boys are setting a new gold standard for the music business
Source: Billboard
Celine Dion and the Backstreet Boys are setting a new gold standard for the music business. Both Dion's All the Way: A Decade of Song and BSB's Millennium sold in excess of 500,000 copies last week (that's a gold record in just seven days) to land at No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, on the country's album charts. Dion's sold 536,000 units, while BSB moved 506,000 copies for the week ending Dec. 19, according to SoundScan.
The double-Gold-plus trick had been pulled off only once this year, when brand new records from Korn and Dr. Dre both busted the half-million mark. The fact that Dion's album has been in stores for weeks, and the Backstreet Boys for months, makes their current showings all the more impressive.
Last week's top-seller, Born Again, the latest posthumous release from Notorious B.I.G., fell all the way to No. 14. Juvenile's G-Code was the only new record to crack the top fifty this week, coming in at No. 10.
That rap influence will continue in the coming weeks, with expected No. 1's due to arrive from DMX and Jay-Z. (The two are labelmates at Def Jam, which hopes to end the year/decade/century/millennium with back-to-back No. 1's from the superstar rappers.)
While strong rap sales have gotten plenty of press this year -- along with the emerging rock/rap hybrid plied by Kid Rock, Limp Bizkit and others -- the sales story of 1999 continued to be pop music's iron-clad hold on consumers. Just take a look at the numbers from last week, traditionally one of the strongest of the year: BSB's Millennium is followed by teen stars Britney Spears' ...Baby One More Time at No. 3 and Christina Aguilera's self-titled debut at No. 4. Throw in Mariah Carey's Rainbow at No. 8 and Will Smith's Willennium at No. 9, and no other genre of music comes close to challenging pop at the top of the charts.
Meanwhile, who's not having such a jolly holiday season? Much-hyped Latin singer Marc Anthony's Desde Un Principio: From the Beginning never found traction, and five weeks after its release is down to No. 192. Same goes for rapper Raekwon's Immobilarity, which fell to No. 171. Sheryl Crow's Live from Central Park dropped to No. 117 its second week in stores, while former A Tribe Called Quest frontman Q-Tip's solo debut, Amplified, slid from No. 28 to No. 78 in just two weeks.
From the top, it was Celine Dion's All the Way: A Decade of Song, followed by the Backstreet Boys' Millennium; Britney Spears' ...Baby One More Time (selling 444,000 copies); Christina Aguilera's Christina Aguilera (425,000); Santana's Supernatural (399,000); Kenny G's Faith: A Holiday Album (360,000); Shania Twain's Come On Over (309,000); Will Smith's Willennium (292,000); and Juvenile's G-Code (290,000).
ERIC BOEHLERT
(December 22, 1999)
On the cover of the Rolling Stone... Boxers or Briefs?
Source: MTV
Rumor has it that the Boys will grace the pages of the next millennium's first issue of Rolling Stone magazine. Even more interesting is that we may finally be able to answer the age old question: "Boxers or briefs".
Entertainment Tonight hinted that the boys may pose in only their underwear. Although this has yet to be confirmed (and should be considered as only a rumor at this time) it's likely that the first issue of the millennium will fly off the shelves as BSB fans everywhere try to get their hands on a copy.
Backstreet Boys Ask eBay To Pull Ticket Sales
Source: MTV
The Backstreet Boys are asking the eBay auction website to block the sale of tickets for the band's future concerts.
Ticketmaster's "Live Daily" news site reports that the Backstreet Boys management company, The Firm, is asking the site to remove the ticket auctions, which they say numbered over 700 the first week the tickets went on sale. At press time, roughly 500 people on the site were still advertising multiple tickets. According to "Live Daily," eBay's lawyers were looking in to the legal ramifications of the request.
Go to backstreetboys.com to watch an exclusive holiday greeting from Howie D!
Pop stars most popular names on Web
Source: Infobeat
(Launch) - Singers Britney Spears, Ricky Martin and the Backstreet Boys top the list of the 50 most popular people, places and things users are searching for on the Web, according to the Internet search-engine, Lycos. The Lycos "50 Most Wanted" list for 1999 is based on user searches from Jan. 1 through Nov. 25 of this year. Spears tops the list of musicians on the "Most Wanted Women" list for 1999. Jennifer Lopez arrives in third place, Shania Twain in fifth place and Mariah Carey in ninth place. Martin is in the top spot for musicians in the "Most Wanted Men" category, followed by second place Tupac Shakur, 'N Sync's Justin Timberlake in fourth place, Kid Rock in fifth place, Backstreet Boy Nick Carter in eighth place and Elvis Presley in ninth place. The "Most Wanted Bands" list features the Backstreet Boys on top, followed by 'N Sync, Korn, the Spice Girls, Metallica, TLC, Blink 182, the Beatles, 98 Degrees and the Dave Matthews Band. In addition, the following musicians had strong showings in 1999 and, based on search-query results, Lycos predicts that these are the ones to watch in 2000: Jay-Z, Sugar Ray, A.J. McLean (of Backstreet Boys), Christina Aguilera, Creed, the Dixie Chicks, Dru Hill, LFO and Smash Mouth.
Source: MTV
With the door just about to close on 1999, the folks at "Billboard" have tallied up a year's worth of chart action and Cher and the Backstreet Boys have come out on top.
Cher's previously ubiquitous dance track "Believe" tops the "Billboard" year-end singles chart, earning the honor of the number one song of 1999. TLC's summer smash "No Scrubs" lands at number two for the year, while Monica's "Angel Of Mine," Whitney Houston's "Heartbreak Hotel," and Britney Spears' "Baby One More Time" round out the top five of '99. Sixpence None The Richer, Christina Aguilera, Sugar Ray, Deborah Cox, and Ricky Martin also made the year-end singles chart.
Meanwhile, it was all about the Backstreet Boys on the "Billboard" year-end album chart. The group's "Millennium" proved to be the biggest selling album of the year, scoring the number one spot on the '99 chart. One of Backstreet's teen pop colleagues comes close behind as Britney Spears' "Baby One More Time" album was '99's number two seller. Country crossover star Shania Twain, teen dreams "NSYNC, and the aforementioned Ricky Martin round out '99's top five, while Garth Brooks, the Offspring, the Dixie Chicks, Limp Bizkit, and TLC make up the back end of the top ten.
With an eye on both charts, the folks at "Billboard" also compiled their list of the top five pop artists of 1999, with the Backstreet Boys again coming out on top. TLC is at number two, while Britney, Shania and Ricky round out the list.
In the rock world, it proved to be a big year for Lit as the California outfit scored the year's number one modern rock track with "My Own Worst Enemy." Everlast's seemingly inescapable "What It's Like" is the year's runner-up, while the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Blink-182, and Sugar Ray all reached the top five. Creed, Cake, Orgy, Smash Mouth, and Fatboy Slim see their familiar tracks cap off the year's modern rock top ten.
-- Robert Mancini
Source: Billboard
On Billboard Online they had a reflection of what happen during a decade of music,Backstreet Boys ,'N Sync and Britney Spears did quite well this year.In the Top Pop Albums of the Decade Backstreet Boys came in at #10 with their debut album "Backstreet Boys" and at #16 with "Millenium" while their labelmate Britney Spears came in at #29 and 'N Sync coming in at #17.
In the Top 200 Albums of 99,Backstreet Boys came in at #1 with Millenium with labelmate Britney Spears coming in at #2,#3 was Shania Twain with "Come On Over",#4 was 'N Sync and #5 was Ricky Martin.
In the Top Pop DUO/Group of the Decade the top three were,#1-Boyz 2 Men,#2-TLC and #3 was Backstreet Boys.In the Top 100 Singles of the Decade Backstreet Boys came #86 with Quit Playing Games.The group was also named The Top Pop Artist of the year.
Backstreet Boys also broke records with their album,"Millenium" for selling the most albums in 1 week breaking Garth Brooks record.Backstreet Boys are also the only second male group to have a #1 album of the year in the 90's and they were the only US act to have an Adult Contemporary No.1 since November 1997.
Source: bboys.com
I found the picture of 'Show Me The Meaning' single cover on bboys.com:
Various Billboard News
Source: Billboard
1) Billboard interview with BSB:
Backstreet Boys may follow Mariah Carey into acting. Several members of the group could explore their options, said the act's Howie Dorough. ``We have January off, but I don't think I'm taking time off. I may get into L.A. to try to get into the acting scene and talk to some movie producers,'' he said. While Dorough said he doesn't know what kind of role he wants to play, ``the stereotype, with my being Latin, should be the bad guy with my hair slicked back. But I'm really a good guy; everyone calls me Sweet D!'' Backstreet Boys started the year by changing management and ended it by signing a new multimillion-dollar deal with Jive. ``I'm so glad to see everything work out,'' he said. ``There were doubts for a while. This year we just took one hit after the other.'' He added that none of the Boys are contemplating solo careers. ``We're staying strong as a unit. A couple of us might be producing some artists or doing some acting, but we're definitely still recording together.''
2) Besides being #1 on four Billboard year-end charts, BSB are also the #2 adult contemporary artist of the year, behind Shania Twain. IWITW is ranked the #15 single of the year, which is extremely high because the song was not even released as a CD single! IWITW is ranked #2 among airplay-only singles, behind Goo Goo Dolls' "Slide." Backstreet Boys' debut album is also the 12th best selling album of the year, despite being released more than two years ago!
3) BSB will be one of the artist shown on VH1: Behind the Music- 1999. Airdates are:
Sun 12/26/99 7:00am 43 VH1
Thu 12/30/99 10:30am 43 VH1
4)According to Billboard, Backstreet Boys' debut album is #10 on the album of the decade chart! Millennium is also the 16th best selling album of the decade (in just seven months!). Alanis Morissette's "Jagged Little Pill" is the best selling album of the decade. BSB are also ranked #3 on Billboard's pop duo/group artist of the decade, behind Boyz II Men and TLC.
Pearl Jam Joins Backstreet In Promoter Boycott
Source: MTV
Pearl Jam has joined the Backstreet Boys in condemning the Denver concert promoter accused of channeling premium concert tickets into the hands of scalpers. Pearl Jam manager Kelly Curtis told the Denver Post that the band's tour next year will be promoted by SFX and not The House Of Blues, the company formerly known as Universal Concerts.
"The recourse we're taking is not to work with House of Blues,'' Curtis said. "It's all we can do.'' The December 16 issue of the Post also reports that Korn, who shares management with the Backstreet Boys, is also looking to sidestep HOB controlled venues when the group tours next year. Speaking for the House of Blues corporate office in Los Angeles, spokesperson Larry Solters tells MTV News that the company is conducting an investigation into the allegations involving the Denver office and will be taking appropriate action based upon the findings.
The Backstreet Boys first sounded the alarm after a Halloween performance in Denver when they discovered that many of the fans in the first 20 rows of the sold-out show had bought their tickets from brokers. They band has since pointedly told media sources that they would only be using "reputable" concert promoters "like SFX" for its 2000 tour dates.
Media giant SFX has been on a buying spree of the country's major regional promoters and venues for several years and now owns the famed Bill Graham Presents and Michael Cohl's The Next Adventure (which recently promoted world tours by the Rolling Stones and U2), among others. HOB, a club chain backed by celebrity shareholders like Dan Aykroyd and Aerosmith, bought Universal Concerts for $191 million in July. Those two companies control a vast amount of the national concert market.
Ticket brokering is not necessarily illegal, but it is frowned upon in the industry, overtly because the bands and their handlers say their fans aren't getting a chance for the good seats at an affordable rate. Music industry sources contacted by MTV News, however, single out Curtis and Pearl Jam as genuinely concerned, but contend that 'gold' and 'dress circle' seats are routinely put on sale for higher rates at various events, and that the real complaint is over lost revenues.
A major touring band will work on a percentage of the gate and can command 90% of the declared net ticket revenue. Unlike the promoter, the act would not see additional monies from the brokered tickets.
-- Sorelle Saidman
Source: Backstreetboys.com newsletter
Hey!
Have we got a holiday present for you! Starting now, you can watch a new, exclusive, intimate show about the Backstreet Boys every week! Here is a chance to see the Boys like you've never seen them before...up close and personal.
All you have to do is get to the official web site backstreetboys.com to watch.
THIS WEEK'S SHOW: Behind the scenes at the Billboard Awards. Peek in the BSB dressing room, and watch what goes on...
Happy Holidays!
Backstreets, Britney Get Diamonds
Source: Wall of Sound
Both the Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears have landed Diamond Awards, meaning their albums have been certified 10-times platinum.
Backstreet Boys' Millennium and Spears' … Baby One More Time were both given the diamond nod on Dec. 9, as both have seen impressive sales boosts as the holiday season approaches. The two albums are, at this point, a sure lock at being the best-selling albums in the U.S. in 1999, with Millennium coming out on top. The album marks the second Diamond for Backstreet Boys — their self-titled debut album has also crossed the 10-million mark.
In terms of metallurgy, a platinum record represents one million copies sold, while a gold record is equal to half of that. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), which doles out gold and platinum records, bases its certifications on units shipped to retail outlets, rather than those actually purchased by consumers. At press time, more than 8.2 million copies of Millennium had actually been purchased, while … Baby One More Time had actually sold just under 7.3 million copies.
Other certifications handed out this month include Metallica's 1991 self-titled album, which was declared 12-times platinum, as well as the band's 1988 And Justice for All, which hits the seven-times platinum mark. Life After Death, the first posthumous release from the Notorious B.I.G., released in 1997, went nine-times platinum, and TLC's Fan Mail, which came out earlier this year, hit the five million mark. LFO's self-titled album, also released this year, crossed the platinum threshold.
Three albums have been certified gold to date in December: Twista's 1997 Adrenaline Rush, and two albums released earlier this year, Ol' Dirty Bastard's N***a Please and the Light It Up soundtrack.tk
Source: Infobeat
(Launch) - Backstreet Boy A.J. McLean is going to test out his new alter ego, Johnny Suede, with an upcoming solo performance at a Hard Rock Live benefit concert Jan. 9 in Orlando, Fla. The Backstreet Boy plans to do a selection of original songs and covers at the concert, which takes place on his 22nd birthday. The event was scheduled to kick off a new Orlando chapter of Save The Music, allowing funds that are raised locally by the non-profit organization to be spent within the Orlando area. The Save The Music initiative provides musical instruments to children, promotes school music programs and supports music programs in cities across the country.
McLean is no stranger to pretending to be someone he's not. The singer admits that he occasionally tries wearing disguises when he is out in public, but often finds that he just can't fool the fans. "I've tried putting on a baseball cap and not wearing sunglasses, wearing long sleeves and no jewelry, shaving my goatee off and it doesn't seem to even help then. But me, personally, I don't mind the attention. I don't mind going out and getting recognized." Tickets for McLean's Jan. 9 performance are $15 each and are on sale now. For ticket information, call (407) 351-LIVE or Ticketmaster at (407) 839-3900.
Source: MTV
As tickets for the next leg of the group's "Millennium" tour went on sale over the weekend, the Backstreet Boys wrapped up filming a new video.
The Boys recently shot a clip for "Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely," the third single from their "Millennium" album. The track is expected to hit radio over Christmas, while the video will arrive early next year.
The news of the video comes just in time, as the Boys saw the second video from "Millennium," "Larger Than Life," retired by MTV's "Total Request Live" on Monday after a lengthy run at number one.
The Boys will also return to the road early next year, resuming their tour on February 11 in University Park, Pennsylvania. Tickets for select dates went on sale over the weekend and are moving as briskly as you might expect for one of 1999's top concert draws
Backstreet Boys plays Trick or Treat
Source: OKEJ
When it was Halloween recently the Backstreet Boys looked like on the picture, it´s hard to regonize them! Brian is the clown, A.J. is some kind of mafia boss, with a big fat cigar and big afro hair! Howie is a cowboy, Nick and Kevin is scary people (=!
Source: Wallofsound
LAS VEGAS - We all know that artists, be they actor, musician, director, you name it, are often cut off before being able to give their full acceptance speech at any awards show. It's too bad - the energy is in the air, and often they've got a lot to say. Which is why, afterward, they're often taken backstage to the press room, where the can speak their minds about anything they want to a bunch of scribes taking notes. Here's what some of the participants in the 1999 Billboard Awards had to say once they left the stage.
Blink-182
"They thanked us?" The punk trio had just been informed that the Backstreet Boys had given them kudos for the video for "All the Small Things," which mocks the Orlando quintet. "Wow. Well, I guess we're friends now, then. Seriously, though, we come from different places, but we truly believe there's room for all different kinds of music. Oh, and I'm working on a breath mint that's a suppository."
What Radio Is Saying of "Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely"
Source: Hitmakers.com
BACKSTREET BOYS "Show Me The Meaning..." (JIVE)
LEO CARO, PD, KBAT, Midland-Odessa
"It's the best song they've put out in a long time!"
BILL SCHULTZ, PD/MD, KWNZ, Reno
"Definitely a #1 hit!"
JERRY MAC, MD, WBTJ, Youngstown
"Duh!!"
DINO ROBITAILLE, OM/PD, WBTT, Dayton
"Gonna be huge!"
JO VALENTINE, MD, WCKZ, Ft. Wayne
"A #1 smash!"
DAMIAN PAUL, MD, WPYO, Orlando
"Great ballad! It's an instant hit!"
MIKE AUSTIN, PD, KCHZ, Kansas City
"A no-brainer!"
DAVE ROBLE, PD, KSXY, Santa Rosa
"It's a really good record."
J.J. RICE, PD, WBLI, Long Island
"We've been playing this for a couple of weeks and it's already a top phone record!"
TONY WAITEKUS, PD/MD, WHTS, Quad Cities
"A smash!"
JILL MEYER, PD/MD, WLKT, Lexington
"If they so much as breathe on a record, it will be a hit!"
RICH DAVIS, PD, WZEE, Madison
"Another good record by this group."
PAUL 'Cubby' BRYANT, MD, Z100, New York
"After just a week of airplay, this is now pulling top 10 requests."
Source: Hitmakers.com
From the HOT TIPS section
BACKSTREET BOYS - "Show Me the Meaning Of Being Lonely" (JIVE)
This group simply can do no wrong! Official impact is a week away, but a host of very impressive radio stations simply refused to wait! Among them were: WDRQ, STAR94, WBLI, KSLZ, WFLZ, KYKY, WZPL, KMXV, KXXM, and a bunch more! Z100's Paul "Cubby" Bryant tells us this is already one of their most requested!
Elswhere on Hitmakers.com
Jive's JOE RICCITELLI, DENISE GEORGE and THE HORSE are ending 1999 with another mega-hit from the BACKSTREET BOYS, "Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely!" The Millennium album was just certified diamond, 10X platinum! The single has shipped to radio for Rhythmic and Pop reports on 12/14. 38 stations are reporting it already and the phones are #1 across the board!
AJ's Alter Ego - Meet Johnny Suede
Source: The Orlando Sentinel (Dec 8)
Boy assumes alter ego for good cause
Wire services were used in this report.
That album Garth Brooks put out as his pop pseudonym, Chris Gaines, went over like Santa Claus in a blue pin-stripe suit. Yet, up comes the Backstreet Boys' tattooed wonder, A.J. McLean, with plans for a Hard Rock Live benefit concert as his new alter ego:
Johnny Suede.
"All I've been able to find out is that he is British and he's going to look different," said Chris Tomasso, Hard Rock International's new senior director of marketing and production and really, really long corporate titles. "He's doing this for Save the Music, so you've got to like that."
You bet we do. McLean's Jan. 9 concert is to kick off a new Orlando chapter so that funds raised locally for Save the Music, which provides musical instruments to schoolchildren, can be spent locally.
Lost in the translation?
A.J. was headed to the Backstreet Boys' stylist to talk red leather suits, but we got ahold of his mom, Denise McLean. She said A.J. wanted to do a benefit during the group's tour break, and since it was just him, he thought it would be fun to cut loose under the name he used to book hotel rooms after finding it on a clothing label.
"He'll be doing a compilation of his songs and covers," said McLean, who assures us her son won't have trouble with the British accent because he studied dialects as a kid.
Pony up $15 for a ticket and you can tell your friends you not only attended Johnny Suede's debut concert with the Backstreet Boys, but also McLean's 22nd birthday party.
AJ MCLEAN AS JOHNNY SUEDE
HARD ROCK LIVE (Orlando)
1/9/2000
Onsale: 12/11/1999, 10:00 AM
$15.00
Later Onsale Dates Set For Some Backstreet Boys' Shows
Source: LiveDaily
Earlier plans called for all tickets to go on sale Dec. 11.
By Rob Evans
Update
Though tickets to the vast majority of upcoming Backstreet Boys' performances are set to go on sale Saturday (10/11), onsale dates for tickets in at least four cities will take place later.
The box offices in Houston and San Antonio, Texas, report that onsale times are now scheduled for Dec. 18. In Oklahoma City, Okla., local ticketing firm Ticket Source says that an onsale date is to be announced. An onsale date is also to be announced for the Bi-Lo Center in Greenville, S.C.
As of this morning (12/10), ticket sales in all other cities were still set for Saturday, but changes in ticket onsale times and dates aren't unusual. The most current information about onsale dates can be obtained from local ticketing firms and from venue box offices.
Earlier this week, promotion, ticketing or venue sources in each city on Backstreet Boys' recently announced early-2000 itinerary told LiveDaily that they were planning onsale times for Saturday (10/11).
[Note: The following tour itinerary has been provided by artist and/or tour sources, who verify its accuracy as of 12/10/99. Changes may occur before tickets go on sale. Check with official artist web sites, ticketing sources and venues for late updates.]
March
Published: Fri Dec 10, 1999 at 13:17:46 Pacific Time Writer: Rob Evans for Livedaily.com
Source: Yahoo!
Members of the 'Backstreet Boys' (L to R) Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell, Kevin Richardson, Nick Carter and A.J. McLean accept one of four awards at the Billboard Music Awards show at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas Wednesday. The band won awards for Album of the Year 'Millennium', Artist of the Year, Albums Artist of the Year and Albums Artist Duo/Group of the Year. (Ethan Miller/Reuters)
The Backstreet Boys accept the Album of the Year Award during The 1999 Billboard Music Awards show at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Wednesday. (AP Photo/Laura Rauch)
Backstreet Boys Ticket Update
Source: Launch Media
(12/10/99, 4 p.m. ET) - The Backstreet Boys have added four new dates to their 2000 tour itinerary, and all ticket sales for the outing will go on sale Saturday (Dec. 11). The last time the group put all the tickets for its Millennium tour on sale at the same time was in August, and all 765,000 tickets were sold almost immediately, shattering several box-office records in the process.
LAUNCH asked Backstreet Boy Kevin Richardson what his biggest concern is for this leg of the tour. "In the round, there's not really any place to hide, so it's gonna be challenging to do quick changes and the choreography. Vocally were on in ear monitors this time, which is the first time. We've always had the regular monitors on the stage. With our audience, the crowd just ripping and roaring, and we were worried that the crowd is going to be totally around us and we were going to have trouble hearing our vocals. So now we have in-ear monitors, which is going to allow us to hear ourselves better and not blow our vocal chords out the first time we hit the stage."
Since the group first announced new 2000 dates via its official website (www.backstreet.com), dates have been added for East Lansing, Mich.; Greensboro, N.C.; Hamilton, Ontario; and Toronto, Ontario. If sales go as well as they did last time, fans can expect more dates to be added Saturday.
The Backstreet Boys were big winners at the 1999 Billboard Music Awards Wednesday (Dec. 8), winning the artist of the year award as well as album of the year for their nine-times platinum album, Millennium. The group also won the albums artist of the year and albums artist duo/group of the year. Backstreet Boys tour dates for 2000 (subject to change):
Source: Infobeat
(Launch) - Tickets for several Backstreet Boys shows in North Carolina go on sale at 11 a.m. Saturday. The group will return to the state for performances Feb. 17 in Charlotte, Feb. 18 in Raleigh and Feb. 20 in Greensboro. In addition, tickets go on sale Saturday for the group's performances Feb. 26 at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, March 3 at Reunion Arena in Dallas and March 7 at the Trans World Dome in St. Louis.
Source: Billboard
Edited by Julie Taraska / December 9, 1999, 12:00 a.m. EST
Jive label mates Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears dominated the 1999 Billboard Music Awards, held yesterday at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Although each received four honors, it was Backstreet Boys who snagging the coveted artist and album of the year awards, for "Millennium."Spears was no slouch, though, netting female artist and new artist of the year plaudits.
Other multiple award winners included Dixie Chicks, who bagged three awards, including country artist and Country Albums artist honors; and Ricky Martin, who scored the male artist and male Hot 100 Singles artist of the year titles. Metallica and Creed also earned two awards each, although they were not presented during the broadcast.
As previously announced, Emmylou Harris received the 1999 Billboard Century Award, the magazine's highest honor for artistic creativity, while Aerosmith was presented with the artist achievement award. Mariah Carey also was recognized as the artist of the decade.
In addition, Red Hot Chili Peppers were presented with a special award for setting an all-time Billboard record the most weeks at No. 1 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart (with their song "Scar Tissue").
Hosted by actors Kathy Griffin and Adam Carolla, the 1999 Billboard Awards featured performances by Spears, Martin, Jennifer Lopez, LeAnn Rimes, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Blink 182. Metallica also played, accompanied by a full orchestra.
The show honored this year's No. 1 artists and songs, as determined by the 1999 year-end Billboard charts. (The year-end statistics are compiled from Billboard's weekly charts published from December 1998 to December 1999.)
1999 Billboard Music Award Winners
1999 Billboard Century Award: Emmylou Harris
Artist Achievement Award: Aerosmith
Artist Of The Decade: Mariah Carey
Artist Of The Year: Backstreet Boys
Album Of The Year: Backstreet Boys' "Millennium" (Jive)
Male Artist Of The Year: Ricky Martin
Female Artist Of The Year: Britney Spears
New Artist Of The Year: Britney Spears
Albums Artist Of The Year: Backstreet Boys
Albums Artist Duo/Group Of The Year: Backstreet Boys
Female Albums Artist Of The Year: Britney Spears
Male Hot 100 Singles Artist Of The Year: Ricky Martin
Female Hot 100 Singles Artist Of The Year: Britney Spears
R&B/Hip-Hop Artist Of The Year: R. Kelly
R&B Albums Artist Of The Year: DMX
R&B Album Of The Year: Juvenile's "400 Degreez" (Cash Money/Universal)
R&B Single Of The Year: Maxwell's "Fortunate" (Rock Land/Interscope/Columbia)
Rap Artist Of The Year: Jay-Z
Rap Single Of The Year: JT Money/Solé's "Who Dat" (Tony Mercedes/Freeworld/Priority)
Country Artist Of The Year: Dixie Chicks
Country Albums Artist Of The Year: Dixie Chicks
Country Albums Artist Duo/Group Of The Year: Dixie Chicks
Modern Rock Artist Of The Year: The Offspring
Modern Rock Track Of The Year: Lit's "My Own Worst Enemy" (RCA)
Rock Artist Of The Year: Creed
Rock Track Of The Year: Creed's "One" (Wind-Up)
Adult Contemporary Track Of The Year: Sarah McLachlan's "Angel" (Arista)
Catalog Artist Of The Year: Metallica
Catalog Album Of The Year: Metallica's "Metallica" (Elektra/EEG)
In addition, Red Hot Chili Peppers were presented with a special award for setting an all-time Billboard record for the most weeks at No. 1 on Modern Rock Tracks chart (with their song "Scar Tissue").
New Backstreet Boys Single?
Source: Billboard
From the Ask Billboard section for December 8, '99...
Question: Hi Keith,
Do you know what single Backstreet Boys will release next? I have heard rumors that it will be a ballad called "Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely" and that it will be issued commercially. Do you know if this is true?
Amy Bonaria
Answer: Hi Amy,
The next cut that will be promoted from the Boys' "Millennium" opus will indeed be "Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely." The accompanying video clip will make its MTV debut on Dec. 31.
There is no word on whether "Lonely" will surface as a commercially available single. The album's first two radio-only singles, "I Want It That Way" and "Larger Than Life," peaked at No. 6 and No. 25, respectively, on The Billboard Hot 100.
"Millennium" spent ten weeks at No. 1 on The Billboard 200 earlier this year. The set has sold 7.5 million units, according to SoundScan.
Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Ricky Martin Hold Court At Billboard Awards
Source: MTV
Teen femme phenom Britney Spears and multi-platinum boy band the Backstreet Boys led all winners at last night's "Billboard" Music Awards at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, as both Spears and the Boys both took home four awards each.
Spears was honored as "Billboard" magazine's Female Artist Of The Year, New Artist Of The Year, Female Albums Artist of The Year, and Female Hot 100 Singles Artist Of The Year. The Backstreet Boys received awards for Artist Of The Year, Albums Artist Of The Year, and Albums Artist Duo/Group Of The Year. The band's most recent record, "Millennium," was recognized as the Album Of The Year.
Other multiple award winners included Latino superstar Ricky Martin and country trio the Dixie Chicks, both of whom won three "Billboard" Music Awards. And on differing ends of the rock spectrum, both Metallica and Creed were honored with two "Billboard" awards each.
R&B diva Mariah Carey was selected as the "Billboard" Artist Of The Decade, an award that recognized the singer for her continued dominance of the pop charts in the '90s. Carey has scored 14 number one singles in her career, trailing only Elvis Presley and the Beatles
Millennium are at #2
Source: MTV
Millennium sold 283,000 copies to climb back up to number two on the Billboard Charts.
Could It Be A McBackstreet Boys Tour In 2000?
Source: Launch Media
(12/7/99, 3 p.m. ET) - The Backstreet Boys have announced tour plans for early 2000 that will kick off Feb. 11 at the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Penn. The group's initial itinerary posted on its official website lists 19 shows in 15 different cities.
The Backstreet Boys wrapped up the 1999 leg of their Millennium tour this weekend. The group recently held a fan/press conference in Las Vegas where Nick Carter and Kevin Richardson revealed the possibility of a new business venture for the band in 2000. "You know we will tip you on some information," said Carter. "We're talking to McDonalds, so come the Millennium year you might see the Backstreet Boys on a little lunch 'Happy Meal' box.""And we might be singing a McDonald's jingle or something," added Richardson. "We don't know!"
-- Jason Gelman, New York
Backstreet Boys Talk New Tour And New Album
Source: Launch Media
(12/2/99, 10 a.m. ET) - The Backstreet Boys recently made a press and fan conference in Las Vegas available to fans of the pop group via its official website, www.backstreetboys.com.
Group members Howie Dorough and Kevin Richardson explained at the press conference that plans are already in the works for the next leg of the Backstreet Boys tour in the year 2000. "We're trying to get down to Central and South America on this world tour. We haven't been able to figure out exactly when, but it will most likely be sometime next year for sure."
Added Richardson, "Yeah, we're putting our spring leg of the tour together for next year, so Mexico might be in there."
Richardson also noted that plans are also underway for the group's next album, and the members are looking forward to the daunting task of improving upon the huge success of Millennium. "There's lots of things that we could do better. I mean, you always want to grow," he said. "I think.the areas that we want to grow in more now is the writing and producing aspects for our next album. There's always room for improvement. Always."
Millennium is currently at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 in its 27th week on the chart.
-- Jason Gelman, New York
Source: MTV
The Backstreet Boys will finish their fall tour Monday night in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but fans of the boy band shouldn't fret, as the group has already announced another run of live dates beginning in February 2000.
BSB will kick off the next leg of its tour on February 11 at the Bryce-Jordan Center in University Park, Pennsylvania. The winter run is currently scheduled for a month's worth of shows, concluding on March 10 in Indianapolis.
"Millennium," the Backstreet Boys' third album, has already been certified for sales in excess of nine million, according to the Recording Industry Association of America.
Dates for the Backstreet Boys' winter tour:
-- David Basham
Backstreet Boys won 5 awards at the 1999 Smash Hits Poll Winner Party held yesterday. They picked up the awards for: Best Band on Planet Pop, Best Non-British Band, Best single of 1999: I Want It That Way, Best Album of 1999: Millennium, Best Pop Video: Larger Than Life.
Backstreet Boys end US tour and rest over the holliday
Today the Backstreet Boys end their US tour in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Then they have a well deserved holliday over christmas and new year, BSB has toured since June, except for a little break in august. I hope they rest now! They are touring again in February, starting February 11 2000 in University Park, PA.
Backstreet Boys' Charity Donation Held Up By Fiscal Issues
Source: MTV
Fiscal problems are temporarily interrupting the Backstreet Boys plans to donate $75,000 to the Columbine College Fund, which was to have provided scholarships to students involved in the massacre at Columbine High School in April.
The Backstreet Boys wanted to make the $75,000 donation after discovering that 1,200 tickets to its Halloween show at Denver's Pepsi Center were scalped for $110 a piece, an almost 200 percent mark-up from the tickets' $38.50 face value.
The Columbine College Fund is about to fold because of a lack of funds, as the San Francisco-based non-profit organization has only received $800 in donations so far, according to the Associated Press.
House of Blues, the promoter charged by the boy band to make the $75,000 donation, is currently attempting to find another organization for the money, and wants to make sure that the funds will go to benefit students at Columbine High School.
-- David Basham
Source: Tickets.com
Leaving a trail of broken sales records and teenage hearts in their wake, the Backstreet Boys have toured the world and enjoyed overwhelming success at every stop along the way. Sales ratings of Gold and Platinum are almost as numerous for the young quintet as the number of devoted fans they've made in more than 45 countries.
Now, the Backstreet Boys have partnered with Tickets.com to offer tickets for their upcoming U.S. shows in a series of charity auctions. That's right! The money you spend on a night with your favorite band will go toward helping a worthy cause, which will be personally selected by the Backstreet Boys over the Thanksgiving Weekend. So, check back Monday to see who they picked!
Go here: Tickets.com
Backstreet Boys deliver spectacle complete with marketing bonanza
Source: The Tampa Tribune
By CURTIS ROSS
TAMPA - It could have been some cruel endurance test, pitting fragile eardrums against thousands of lungs at full throttle.
And while Thursday night's Backstreet Boys concert generated its share of screams, it most resembled a well-scripted theme-park show - from the canned voice reminding ticket holders about what wasn't allowed inside (video recorders, laster pointers and cameras, although plenty went off during the show) to the Boys' entrance (suspended from the ceiling, surfing on lighted boards).
The five Boys, a crew of dancers and a six-piece band performed on a stage placed in the middle of the Ice Palace's floor for the first of two consecutive sold-out nights there.
The group's lightweight dance-pop is undeniably catchy - you don't have to like ``Larger Than Life'' to walk around humming it. But the songs were simply backdrops against which lights flashed, dancers gyrated and singers changed costumes and struck poses to enthusiastic approval from the mostly teen and preteen girl audience.
Where the group succeeds is in mindless entertainment and consumer training. Young minds overstimulated by lights and sounds, not to mention deprived of oxygen redirected toward screaming, are more likely to shell out for souvenir programs, posters and the all-important T-shirts.
``Tampa has the best fans in the world,'' group member and Tampa native Nick Carter told the crowd of 20,307. Uh, oh. Wait till they hear about that in the group's home base, Orlando.
If an opening act's job is to warm up the crowd without making too much of an impression, then EYC and Mandy Moore fit the bill perfectly.
EYC spent most of its 30-minute set inquiring as to whether Tampa was ``in the house'' and ``ready to party.'' Answered in the affirmative, the trio left without incident.
Think of Mandy Moore as Krackle to Britney Spears' Nestle's Crunch: Moore will never be as popular; but blindfolded, few could tell the difference.
Backstreet Boys aim to improve on 'Millennium'
Source: Infobeat
(Launch) - The Backstreet Boys held a press conference in Las Vegas recently to discuss their current tour and their upcoming plans. The press conference was made available to fans of the pop group Tuesday via its official Web site backstreetboys.com Group members Howie Dorough and Kevin Richardson said that plans are already in the works for the next leg of the Backstreet Boys tour next year. "We're trying to get down to Central and South America on this world tour here. We haven't exactly been able to figure out exactly our schedule when, but it will most likely be sometime next year for sure," Dorough said. "We're putting our spring leg of the tour together for next year, so Mexico might be in there," Richardson added. Richardson said that plans are also underway for the group's next album and the members are looking forward to the daunting task of improving upon the huge success of "Millennium." "There's lots of things that we could do better," Richardson said. "You always want to grow. I think with our singing, our writing, our producing - those are the areas that we want to grow in more now is the writing and producing aspects for our next album." "Millennium" is currently at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 after 27 weeks on the chart.
Did you all watch it? I watched it yesterday and it was the best! The guys was so nice and funny, as usual!
It was all kinds of questions like:
Who would you like to interview?
Nick: 'I like to interview the president, I wanna know what´s on his mind'. Everybody laughed when he said that!
They also said that they maybe are gonna be in the Happy Meal in McDonalds!
Also a question that reaveled it all:
Fan called Jessica: What do you think about 'N Sync joining Jive Records?
Brian: Oh! That´s a good one!
Nick: Now that we have the cameras on...
Brian: I don´t know if we have enough time. EVERYBODY LAUHING!
Kevin: What do you think?!
The other: Yeah, what do you think?
Jessica: I think you should be mad.
Brian: Does it upset you?
Jessica: Yeah.
Brian: Why does it upset you?
Jessica: 'Cause 'N Sync suck.
Everybody is screaming and A.J. is laughing
and then he says: Yeah...
Brian: Yeah, what you said.
Kevin: We diffently have some problems with what our record company has decided... but hopefully we can resolve things without fighting. Sometimes the buisness sucks.
That what the BEST thing! It really shows what BSB thinks about 'N Sync.
Backstreet Boys may produce a New Year's Eve surprise
Source: Orlando Sentinel
Leslie Doolittle
of The Sentinel Staff
Published in The Orlando Sentinel on December 2, 1999.
As singing preteens gathered outside the Orlando Arena for the Backstreet Boys concert Wednesday evening, the five members of the superstar group were inside charming the glitter off about 100 fans invited to a rollicking news conference.
Chief among the information pumped out of the boys by Make-a-Wish kids, fan clubbers and contest winners from Nova Scotia to Brazil was that the pop stars -- who for years kept their love lives quiet -- all "have a girlfriend."
Except for Howie Dorough.
"I'm dating someone," said Dorough, triggering as much laughter from his group mates as the girls in the audience.
"What's the difference?" Kevin Richardson said, goading him.
Dorough thought for a second and then responded sheepishly, "It's uh, my classification." That had everyone hooting.
The boys were just as relentless when Brian Littrell, who has been the most open about his relationship with Leighanne Wallace, was asked whether he plans to marry her next year.
"DUN, DUN, DAHHHHNN!" sang Nick Carter in a mocking trumpet voice, as Littrell reddened on the hot seat.
"I don't know -- that's a good question," Littrell said. "I would actually like to -- all in good time."
Richardson drew a chorus of "ahhhhhhhhs" when he said he had met his girlfriend seven years ago at Walt Disney World. Their on-again, off-again relationship, tested by all the time Richardson's travels, is back on again.
The high points of the hourlong meeting were an impromptu a cappella song and when 14-year-old Clarissa Michaud of Largo asked Richardson to say "Hi, Jenny" to her mom as "payback" for all the times her mom had embarrassed her.
Richardson did better than that -- he walked over and gave Jenny a big hug, prompting squeals that would shame a set of NASCAR tires.
Richardson also revealed that he has a tattoo on his pelvic bone -- "It's Japanese writing that means music and pleasure."
Asked whether he had any hidden tattoos, A.J. McLean -- who's famed for his skin art -- said, "All of my tattoos are from the waist up.' But he does some day want to get a dragon -- maybe on his leg.
That prompted one of the boys to yell: "He wants to tattoo his butt."
McLean responded: "If I had one, I would."
Asked what they would be doing New Year's Eve, Richardson said a lot of people were expecting them to do something big because their latest album and tour are called Millennium. But "I think we're just going to spend time with our families," some of whom live in Central Florida.
Carter surprised him by adding: "But we're working on something."
And Richardson chimed in: "There might be a surprise."
Asked whether any of them had political aspirations, Littrell noted that they had seen a sign once that read, "Nick for President."
Well, then, would he run?
"Naw man," Carter said. Electing him "would be the worst thing this country could do."
IN CONCERT Let's hear it for the Boys
Source: Orlando Sentinel
Four hours before the Backstreet Boys were to take the stage for a sold-out show Wednesday night, we visited the Orlando Arena to see what the band's fans were up to. Take a look for yourself with your RealVideo player. Look at the fans at Orlando Arena
Orlando Sentinel Concert Review; 12/02/99 Orlando, FL
Fans squeal only between songs
Parry Gettelman
Sentinel Popular Music Critic
Published in The Orlando Sentinel on December 2, 1999.
Sears is the big sponsor for the Backstreet Boys' sold-out tour behind the multi-platinum blockbuster Millennium. The Boys even appeared in a video-cum-commercial for the store before they took the stage at the Orlando Arena Wednesday night. Wholesome, massively popular BSB is no doubt just what Sears wanted. However, if BSB wanted to get some real marketing synergy going, it would strike up a sponsorship deal with Hearos.
Hearos being a manufacturer of earplugs, an essential accessory at the Orena Wednesday. Not that the Backstreet Boys' music was so loud, although the mix might have been less muddy at a somewhat lower volume. But delicate eardrums definitely needed some kind of protection from the piercing screams of teenage fans.
At regular intervals, Backstreet Boys Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell, A.J. McLean and Kevin Richardson entreated the hometown crowd to scream. Such exhortations weren't strictly necessary. Some fans had already begun screaming outside the venue, emitting random sounds of ear-splitting shrillness
while walking from the parking lot or standing in line at the will-call windows. Parents winced as the screams set off a chain reaction. Inside, even before the house lights came down for the Backstreet Boys, teenage girls screamed at the slightest provocation: when a member of opening act EYC removed his shirt, when a friend spoke the name of a Backstreet Boy, or just for practice in the ladies' room.
Fortunately for the Boys, fans have grown slightly more sophisticated since the days when they drowned out the poor Beatles with their shrieks. Or perhaps the BSB fans were simply starting to get a little hoarse by the time the group emerged, "flying" through the air on magical boogie boards, suspended by an elaborate system of harnesses. The fans generally used screams as punctuation, so that everyone could enjoy the quintet's trademark harmonies and emotive vocals on a stream of hits. The set list included "Quit Playing Games with My Heart," "Don't Want You Back," "All I Have to Give," "I'll Never Break Your Heart," "As Long As You Love Me," "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)" and, of course, the massive "I Want It That Way."
This show was much better paced than the New Year's Eve extravaganza BSB put on at the Orena last year. Production values were even more improved. The fancy staging included in-the-round -- well, actually around a pentagon-shaped stage -- seating, a multi-purpose platform that went up and down and revolved, snazzy fireworks and a system of wires that allowed the band members to swing way out over the tiered seating at the sides of the arena.
Richardson's graceful acrobatics showed he may have a future as a trapeze artist if record sales ever slow down. He made the most of his ladder in another routine, doing upside down gymnastic feats that required Olympian abdominals while bandmate Carter on a ladder nearby was content to stand and gaze soulfully into the video camera -- not that that didn't elicit a few screams, too.
There was also a snazzy team of 10 dancers, and the choreography was lively, although it's time to lose the folding chairs from that one number. BSB could still stand to learn a few things from rival group 'N Sync, whose Orena show moved more briskly and had more of a sense of fun. BSB's breaks for costume changes sometimes took too long -- did Carter really need a new hairstyle for each outfit? -- and it could have performed three numbers in the time it took for the tedious introduce-the-band-and-dancers segment.
I was one of the many who missed Orlando's own Mandy Moore, and most of EYC, because of a tie-up at Will Call.
