The Backstreet Boys are set to usher in the holiday season at Rockefeller Center’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, scheduled for December 4, 2024, at 8 p.m. EST on NBC and Peacock. The beloved boy band joins an impressive lineup of performers, including Little Big Town, Jennifer Hudson, and Dan + Shay, with Kelly Clarkson as the host for the second consecutive year.
This performance marks the Backstreet Boys’ debut at Rockefeller Center, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of their iconic hit “I Want It That Way.” As fans eagerly anticipate this nostalgic moment, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on the band’s journey since the early 2000s.
The Backstreet Boys surged to fame in the mid-1990s with their self-titled debut album, which featured hits like “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” and the heartfelt ballad “As Long As You Love Me.” They reached new heights in 1999 with “I Want It That Way,” solidifying their status alongside fellow boy bands such as *NSYNC and 98 Degrees. Despite lineup changes and challenges in the music industry, the group maintained their popularity well into the late 2000s and remained connected to their loyal fans.
After a chart hiatus, they celebrated a successful collaboration in 2016 with Florida Georgia Line, leading to a two-year Las Vegas residency titled “Backstreet Boys: Larger than Life.” They continued to tour, culminating in their tenth concert tour, the “DNA World Tour,” which spanned across continents and wrapped up on October 23, 2024, in Abu Dhabi.
As the Backstreet Boys prepare for their performance at Rockefeller Center, fans can look forward to a cherished blend of festive cheer and nostalgic music. After the holiday event, listeners can enjoy the band’s holiday album, “A Very Backstreet Christmas,” released in 2022. This long-awaited performance promises to bring joy and a delightful sense of nostalgia to audiences, proving that the Backstreet Boys continue to have a special place in the hearts of tens of thousands of fans.
With the warm spirit of the holiday season ahead, this performance not only celebrates music and tradition but also highlights the enduring legacy of one of the most iconic boy bands of our time. It’s a wonderful reminder that while trends may change, the joy of music remains timeless, creating lasting memories for generations to come.