Backstreet Baby As the youngest memeber of the group, 20-year-old Nick confesses that over the years he has lived up to his rep as the Backstreet baby, especially when it comes to pulling pranks and messin' around. "I like to get a laugh out of things," said Nick. "I was a prankster, but I've learned a lot over the years-how to communicate, how to be respectful and how not to be a pest." Hmmmm...even though it's a bit hard to imagine this pretty pinup playing the pesky prankster, it's obvious that Nick has done lots of growing up since the Backstreet Boys' beginning. Thanks to six years of steady growth spurts, young Nick now towers over all the other guys with his sturdy 6-foot-1-inch frame. And can you blame the guy for wanting to cut loose a little? Since he joined the Backstreet Boys at age 13, Nick has been performing nonstop on his way to becoming a worldwide singing sensation. This blue-eyed blond loves the limelight, especially when it comes to dancing and performing in front of a live audience.
Born to Perform Ever wonder from where Nick got his smooth moves? Nick's mom says he was born with them andshe credits his natural knack for entertaning to the fact he's been doing it since he was in diapers. In fact, when Nick's parents used to run a restaurant and lounge called The Yankee Rebel in his hometown of Jamestown, NY, toddler Nick used to hang out with his DJ dad and tear up the dance floor. So when the Carter family moved to Tampa Bay, FL, when Nick was in elementary school, he continued to pursue his dream by landing a role in his school play, "The Phantom of the Opera" and TV commercials for the Florida Lottery and The Money Store. Despite his obvious acting talent, Nick couldn't resist his urge to croon, so he decided to focus on his singing career. He became a featured vocalist for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' pre-game show for two years-that's a lot of "Star Spangled Banners!" He also managed to pick up his first award, winning first place in The New Original Amateur Hour in 1992. Then came the moment that would change Nick's life forever. He went to two auditions, one for what would eventually become the Backstreet Boys and the other for Disney's Mickey Mouse Club TV show. In a true testament to his talent, he was offered both gigs. He chose BSB, and the rest is history.
Nick at Night Despite all the hype and hysteria around the group, Nick manages to remain down to earth. He still insists he's fairly shy when it comes to meeting girls. And even though it's hard to believe, Nick says that girls weren't even attracted to him when he was in school. "I'm a very quiet person," said Nick. "I consider myself a modern day hermit. I don't like to party. I'm happy if I'm in my hotel room chillin'." So what does this self-described hermit do when he's not on tour? Nick is a video game junkie who loves playing Mortal Kombat and a sports fanatic who loves shooting hoops. He also spends a great deal of time hanging out at his new house near Tampa, perfecting his drum playing and giving his younger brother Aaron career advice.
Career-Centered What does the future hold for Nick? Dismissing rumors of a BSB breakup and a solo career, Nick said his goal is to continue making music with BSB. He'd also like to start writing music for the group. At the most recent Billboard Awards, where the Backstreet Boys won Album of the Year and Artist of the Year, Nick said he'd someday like to win a lifetime achievement award.
*Nick and Mandy* Yes, Nick and Mandy are seeing each other. They have been doing so for a couple of years. They had one breakup last Fall and reunited about a month later. For more information on Mandy, visit http://www.willaford.com or http://go.to/Mandah.
