Who is the opening act for Backstreet Boys?

As one of the biggest boy bands of all time, the Backstreet Boys have had some incredible opening acts over the years. When the Backstreet Boys go on tour, they aim to provide fans with an unforgettable experience from start to finish. That means securing top-notch opening acts to get the crowd excited before the main event. Let’s take a look at who has had the honor of opening for the Backstreet Boys over the course of their decades-long career.

AJ McLean’s Brother

For their very first headlining tour in 1997, the Backstreet Boys chose a personal opening act – AJ McLean’s brother Kevin. Kevin McLean was an aspiring musician at the time and even opened some shows for the Backstreet Boys with his band. However, Kevin’s time as an opener was short-lived. Though the McLean brothers remain close, Kevin did not continue working as a professional musician like his younger brother AJ.

Mandy Moore

In 1999, at the start of her career, 15-year-old pop singer Mandy Moore scored the gig of opening for the Backstreet Boys on their Into the Millennium Tour. Moore was riding high on the success of hits like “Candy” and “I Wanna Be With You.” She won over Backstreet fans with her infectious pop songs and upbeat energy. Moore maintained a sunny disposition even when some rowdy BSB fans occasionally booed her off stage. Though it was a tough crowd at times, the tour helped establish Moore’s skills as a live performer.

Sisqó

R&B singer Sisqó, of the group Dru Hill, joined the Backstreet Boys as an opening act in 2000. His smash hit “Thong Song” had just reached number three on the Billboard charts, so he was a hot up-and-coming act at the time. Fresh off his solo success, Sisqó brought plenty of energy and sex appeal to the table. His soulful voice provided a nice contrast to the Backstreet Boys’ pop perfection. And his flashy style kept things interesting – Sisqó made a grand entrance by rising from beneath the stage on a platform. Overall, Sisqó made for an unforgettable opening act that got crowds hyped for the main event.

Krystal Harris

In 2002, the Backstreet Boys chose singer Krystal Harris as their opening act for dates in the U.S. and Japan. Harris was promoting her self-titled album, led by the single “Supergirl.” Her vibe aligned with the BSB’s audience – like the boys themselves, she delivered energetic dance pop with wide appeal. Ever the professionals, the Backstreet Boys generously gave their opener a warm welcome by joining her on stage for a performance in Tokyo. Harris expressed her gratitude, saying she “had a blast” opening for one of her favorite groups.

JC Chasez

Fresh from the breakup of *NSYNC, JC Chasez scored a string of opening slots for the Backstreet Boys in 2004. The former boy bander was hoping to reinvent himself as an edgy, sexed-up solo act. His first single “Some Girls (Dance with Women)” exemplified this new grown-up image. Though BSB fans were divided over Chasez as an opener, he ultimately won many over with his powerful voice and sleek dance moves. The tour marked an important transitional era for Chasez.

The Click Five

At the height of their fame, the Click Five joined the Backstreet Boys as openers on their 2005 Never Gone Tour. The pop rock group were fast-rising stars thanks to their hit “Just the Girl.” Led by frontman Kyle Patrick, the Click Five fit in perfectly with the Backstreet Boys’ sound and aesthetic. Their high-octane shows featured shiny suits and sophisticated power pop. Together, the two acts created an unbeatable lineup of heartthrob appeal. As an added bonus, the Click Five starred alongside the Backstreet Boys in the music video for “Just Want You to Know.”

Natasha Bedingfield

British pop singer Natasha Bedingfield brought her smash hit “Unwritten” on the road when she opened for the Backstreet Boys in 2007. Bedingfield’s fame was on the rise in the U.S. thanks to her empowering lyrics and infectious beats. On tour, she treated fans to an energetic set packed with feel-good tunes like “Single” and “I Wanna Have Your Babies.” Though still a developing act, Bedingfield’s voice and style perfectly complemented the Backstreet Boys’ polished pop/R&B aesthetic. She brought a welcome dose of girl power to the mix.

Jordin Sparks

In 2009, American Idol winner Jordin Sparks was hand-selected by the Backstreet Boys to open their summer tour. Sparks was promoting her sophomore album Battlefield, led by the hits “Battlefield” and “S.O.S. (Let the Music Play).” Still a teenager, Sparks impressed with her stellar vocals and affable charm. She gushed about the BSB being her childhood crush, which instantly endeared her to fans. Though Sparks was a less experienced performer compared to the Backstreet Boys, she held her own with pure talent and likability.

New Kids on the Block

For the mega 2011 NKOTBSB tour, New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys joined forces for an unforgettable bill. The two acts decided to take turns opening and closing the show in each city. Fans were delighted by this rare chance to see both groups share the same stage equally. The tour marked an important collaboration between boy band legends. And it resulted in some memorable mashups like “Bye Bye Bye (NKOTBSB 2011).” Sharing the spotlight showed the playful camaraderie between BSB and their former teen idol predecessors.

DJ Pauly D

When the Backstreet Boys hit the road in 2013 for their In A World Like This Tour, they surprised fans by enlisting reality star DJ Pauly D as their opening act. As part of the cast of MTV’s Jersey Shore, Pauly D earned fame as a DJ in nightclubs and on the hit show. His fist-pumping brand of DJing brought plenty of Jersey attitude and hype to kick off the concerts. Pauly D’s role as opener also promoted his then-upcoming show Jersey Shore spinoff The Pauly D Project. Having a DJ open the show provided a different kind of energy compared to a traditional musical act.

Avril Lavigne

Pop punk princess Avril Lavigne joined forces with the Backstreet Boys as a co-headliner for their 2015 tour dates in Asia, Australia, and Mexico. Lavigne and BSB made an unexpected match, but their joint tour proved successful. Lavigne treated crowds to hit songs like “Complicated” and “Sk8er Boi” from her early albums. Meanwhile, the Backstreet Boys stuck to their classic hits and new singles from their latest record. As artists from two different eras, Lavigne and BSB attracted a wider demographic on tour. And the collab gave Lavigne a career boost following her 2013 self-titled release.

Charlie Puth

In May 2017, emerging pop sensation Charlie Puth hit the road with the Backstreet Boys for a string of shows in Las Vegas. Puth was fresh off the success of his smash hit “See You Again.” His soulful vocals and piano skills perfectly complemented the BSB’s pop finesse. Still a rising act, Puth expressed joy and gratitude at opening for one of his greatest musical inspirations. He bonded with the guys over their shared love of harmony, melody, and retro pop. Puth brought youthful energy to the lineup – and likely gained some new fans from the BSB’s longtime devotees.

Baylee Littrell

For their 2019 DNA World Tour, the Backstreet Boys chose a meaningful opening act – Baylee Littrell, son of BSB member Brian Littrell. The Littrell family has a strong musical lineage. Brian initially gained fame in Christian group Epsilon before joining the Backstreet Boys. Now Baylee is following in his dad’s footsteps with his own country music career. The DNA Tour marked Baylee’s first chance to open for the legendary group. Still a teen, Baylee showed impressive poise on such big stages. His country tunes offered an interesting contrast from BSB’s pop. And Brian was surely proud to showcase his son’s talents.

Conclusion

Over nearly 30 years together, the Backstreet Boys have shared stages with some remarkable talents. Their diverse array of opening acts reflects the group’s widespread appeal and longevity in the music scene. While the BSB themselves remain the undisputed main event, choosing the right opener is still crucial to building anticipation. The boys have chosen a mix of established hitmakers, up-and-comers, and family to warm up crowds before their headlining sets. One thing remains constant – the Backstreet Boys always put on an amazing show from start to finish!