The Backstreet Boys made history this weekend as the first pop act to perform at Sphere Las Vegas, debuting their Into the Millennium residency with a futuristic, emotional, and immersive spectacle that left fans stunned—and, in many cases, in tears.
Opening night (July 18) kicked off with a jaw-dropping scene straight out of a sci-fi blockbuster: a massive spacecraft descended from the Sphere’s ceiling, evoking everything from Independence Day to Dune. It was the ultimate introduction for a band whose timeless appeal has transcended generations—and they knew it.
Wearing white in homage to their iconic 1999 album Millennium, 18,000 fans were transported into another dimension. From the first beat of Larger Than Life, the band delivered a 25-song setlist packed with nostalgia, tight harmonies, and cutting-edge visuals made possible by Sphere’s 16K resolution screen and mind-blowing audio-visual effects.
“Holy s**t, dude, look at this place!” shouted AJ McLean, clearly overwhelmed by the moment. “You guys are the best fans in the universe. I’ve cried at least four times tonight.”
The residency represents a full-circle moment for the group, who previously held a Strip residency from 2017 to 2019. Now, backed by Sphere’s revolutionary technology, the boys—AJ McLean, Nick Carter, Brian Littrell, Kevin Richardson, and Howie Dorough—have reimagined what a pop concert can be.
Despite Brian Littrell’s vocal challenges, the group’s harmonies were rich and moving, particularly on hits like As Long as You Love Me, Shape of My Heart, and All I Have to Give. Nick Carter’s vocals were pristine, and McLean’s delivery on Don’t Want You Back electrified the crowd.
A heartfelt medley of deep cuts, including Howie’s standout Spanish Eyes and a group huddle for No One Else Comes Close, reminded fans why the Backstreet Boys have remained beloved for over 30 years. Their bond, their gratitude, and their passion were palpable.
But it was the final number—Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)—that sent the Sphere into an absolute frenzy. The crowd erupted, the venue shook, and the moment felt eternal.
With the Sphere’s immersive capabilities and the Backstreet Boys’ timeless appeal, this residency doesn’t just honor the past — it pushes pop into the future.
🎤 BACKSTREET BOYS: INTO THE MILLENNIUM RESIDENCY
📍 Sphere Las Vegas
📅 July 18–20, 25–27, August 1–5, 8–10, 15–17 & 22
⏰ 8 PM
🎟️ Starting at $298 — ticketmaster.com
Setlist Highlights:
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Larger Than Life
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As Long As You Love Me
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Shape of My Heart
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I Want It That Way
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Quit Playing Games with My Heart
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No One Else Comes Close
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Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)
If you ever wanted to be abducted by a boy band and transported through space and time, this is your moment.
