The Backstreet Boys have given fans an insight into a heartwarming moment involving Canadian rapper Drake. In a recent interview with Billboard, the iconic boy band shared a delightful anecdote about how Drake’s first kiss was set to their classic hit, “I Want It That Way.”
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The revelation came from Kevin Richardson during a discussion about their experiences while on tour. Last year, the Backstreet Boys performed in Toronto, which is also Drake’s hometown, and the encounter was filled with memorable exchanges. The band, which includes Nick Carter, Howie D., AJ McLean, and Brian Littrell, visited a restaurant that is frequented by the “God’s Plan” artist.

According to Richardson, the restaurant’s maître d’ informed them that Drake was present and eager to meet the band after they finished dining. In an enthusiastic chat, Drake shared a personal story that he had first kissed a girl to one of their songs. “It was undoubtedly a special moment for him,” Richardson recalled, marking it as one of the highlights of the band’s extensive career.

During their concert in Toronto, the Backstreet Boys invited Drake on stage, dubbing him their “sixth member.” The rapper shared his emotions about the song, recounting a pivotal moment from his teenage years during his bar mitzvah. He reminisced about how, at the age of 13, he had his first dance with a girl while “I Want It That Way” played in the background. “It was the first time I ever felt acknowledged, and it was the first time I ever felt like, you know, I had a shot at being cool,” he explained.
As Drake shared this memory with a nostalgic smile, he connected with the audience, bringing laughter and fondness to the moment. His light-hearted conclusion, “If she can see me now, you know what I’m talking about?” resonated well with fans, showcasing the enduring power of music in shaping personal experiences.
Currently, the Backstreet Boys are gearing up for their Las Vegas residency titled “Into the Millennium,” which is set to return to Sphere this July. The band, who have been a prominent part of pop music culture since the 1990s, aims to take their loyal fans on a nostalgic journey through their greatest hits.
In anticipation of the residency, AJ McLean shared with Billboard that the show promises to be a celebration of the band’s extensive catalogue, offering a walk down memory lane for those who have followed their career. Their energetic performances are expected to ignite feelings of nostalgia among fans, evoking memories tied to their music.
Adding to their recent activities, the Backstreet Boys have launched a new single named “Bottle Up,” which serves as the theme song for the animated film “Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie.” The track fits seamlessly into the wholesome themes of the children’s movie, showcasing the band’s versatility.
As they prepare for their upcoming shows and continue to release new music, the Backstreet Boys remain a beloved fixture in the entertainment industry, proving that their legacy is just as relevant today as it was when they first started captivating audiences nearly three decades ago.
