After more than three decades in the spotlight, the Backstreet Boys are still bringing the energy — not just on stage, but behind the scenes, too. Now in their 40s and 50s, the iconic boy band is headlining a visually stunning summer residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas, aptly titled Into The Millennium. Though their chart-topping days date back to the mid-1990s with hits like “We’ve Got It Goin’ On” and “I’ll Never Break Your Heart,” the bond between Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, AJ McLean, Brian Littrell, and Kevin Richardson remains stronger than ever. But what really goes on backstage before they perform for 20,000 fans every night? According to their longtime creative partners, brothers Rich and Tone Talauega, each member has a unique ritual that keeps them grounded and ready for showtime.
Having collaborated with the Backstreet Boys since the late ‘90s, Rich and Tone have witnessed the band evolve — not just musically, but personally. They first joined the group as dancers and later stepped into creative director roles for multiple tours. Now helming the artistic vision behind the Into The Millennium residency, the duo shared that the pre-show atmosphere is surprisingly calm. Each member’s backstage approach reflects their personality and stage style. Nick, for example, prefers a warm-up that mirrors an athlete’s — complete with stretching and light sweating to get in the zone. Brian follows a similar approach, treating his body like a finely tuned instrument with both vocal and physical warm-ups before every performance.
Kevin, the eldest of the group at 53, has a more laid-back routine. He prefers to take things easy before hitting the stage, often keeping to himself while Rich and Tone offer last-minute encouragement. In contrast, AJ is the talker of the bunch — known for chatting about anything but the show to stay loose and lighthearted. Howie, always the perfectionist, goes over detailed notes before each concert. He treats feedback from the choreographers like fuel, believing that fine-tuning even the smallest details — from timing to facial expressions — keeps his performances sharp and engaging.
Despite their individual quirks, there’s one tradition the Backstreet Boys hold sacred: a pre-show prayer. Before stepping under the lights, the five bandmates gather in a circle and take turns leading a message of unity. This heartfelt ritual not only boosts morale but reinforces the deep bond they’ve maintained for decades. It’s a moment that centers them and reminds everyone — including their creative team — of the legacy they’re continuing to build. As Rich put it, they aren’t just Backstreet Boys anymore — they’re “icon boys.”
The residency itself is a spectacle unlike any other. As the first pop act to headline the Sphere — which opened in 2023 near the Vegas Strip — the Backstreet Boys have embraced cutting-edge technology to enhance their live show. Audiences are treated to enormous digital displays, futuristic effects like flying platforms, and an immersive 1,600-speaker sound system. With overwhelming fan demand, the group added three more performances to their schedule. It’s clear that even after 30 years, the Backstreet Boys still know how to command a stage — and it all starts with what happens behind the curtain.
