With their recent rift with Jive Records all sewn up (courtesy of a hefty new contract), the Backstreet Boys are now looking ahead to a future that includes a U.S. tour.

As we reported last week, the Boys inked a $60 million, five-year deal with Jive just one month after charging Jive with breach of contract and shopping for a new deal (see "Backstreet Boys Sign New $60 Million Deal With Jive").

"It feels great to have resolved the differences with our record company," the Boys said in a statement addressing the new Jive contract. "Now we can move forward in the most positive way, focused on creating the best music we can for our fans all over the world. We have very exciting and interesting plans for the year 2000."

Part of those plans include a six-week U.S. tour in February and March, after which the Backstreet Boys will enter the studio to record a new album due out in September or October.

-- Tina Johnson