Source: San Antonio Express-News
Thursday, Feb 24, 2000
The Backstreet Boys vs. 'N Sync? To borrow from the old "Saturday Night Live" bit, "Quien es mas macho?" Arguments can be made for both platinum-selling supergroups.
Both dazzle with slick dance moves during light hip-hop and R&B numbers and pop ballads, doused with puppy love and fueled by the perpetual screams of their teen and pre-teen audience. Both show their tender sides in concert by pulling lucky young fans onstage for a personal serenade. Heavy-duty sound effects, video screens for close-ups and pyrotechnics complete their total conquest live.
However, there are some subtle (and not so subtle) differences that even a scream meter might miss.
Record sales: The Backstreet Boys' "Millennium" tops 11 million in sales in the United States. "'N Sync" sales are at 10 million. "Millennium" reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and is currently No. 12. "'N Sync" peaked at No. 2 and is currently No. 69 after 99 weeks on the charts.
Chart watch, radio: The Backstreet Boys are at No. 12 with their latest single, "Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely." On their heels at No. 13 is 'N Sync with "Bye, Bye, Bye." However, 'N Sync is making the greatest gains in radio airplay with this first single from the upcoming album, "No Strings Attached," due March 21. "Bye, Bye, Bye" is the No. 1 most added song at pop radio with 200 stations putting the song into rotation in one week — a new record. The Backstreet Boys held the old record of 145 for "I Want It That Way."
Grammy: The Backstreet Boys received five Grammy nominations this year, including Record of the Year for "I Want It That Way," Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Album and Best Vocal Performance By Duo or Group with Vocal. 'N Sync was up for Grammys in two categories. "Music of My Heart" with Gloria Estefan was nominated for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals;" they had a shot at Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for "God Must Have Spent a Little More Time on You" with Alabama. However, both groups were flattened by the Carlos Santana Express and came home empty-handed Wednesday night.
Who wrote what: "Millennium" featured songs by heavyweight producers Robert John "Mutt" Lange, Max Martin, Kristian Lundin, Andreas Carlsson and BSB singer Brian Littrell. 'N Sync's new album will offer songs from Diane Warren, Richard Marx, She'kspere and Teddy Riley. TLC's Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes appears with 'N Sync on "Space Cowboy."
On stage: The Backstreet Boys ride in on boogie boards suspended by cables to the "Star Wars" theme. At the Alamodome last August, 'N Sync was hoisted to the stage like jewel thieves spoofing "Mission Impossible," music and all.
Local champ: 'N Sync drew 25,000 fans; more than 40,000 will be at the 'Dome on Wednesday for the Backstreet Boys.
— Hector Saldaña
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