*NSYNC“’s” Joey Fatone Puts Decades-Old Feud with Backstreet Boys to Rest: ‘It Was Never Anything Personal’

In the realm of pop music, few rivalries have captivated audiences quite like that of the boy bands *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys. Established in 1995, just two years after the Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC was propelled into the spotlight as part of the late 1990s boy band phenomenon. Recently, at the ‘90s Con event in Hartford, Connecticut, *NSYNC’s Joey Fatone shed light on the origins of this rivalry, revealing that it stemmed more from management strategies than genuine animosity between the groups.

During the event, the 49-year-old Fatone provided a fascinating insight into how the competitive spirit was sustained, suggesting it was orchestrated by their shared manager, Lou Pearlman. According to Fatone, Pearlman created an atmosphere of rivalry that served only to benefit his own interests, while keeping the bands distanced from one another.

“It was never anything personal like that at all,” Fatone remarked, addressing the longstanding narrative that had framed the rivalry. He explained how Pearlman exploited both groups’ similarities and differences, urging them to compete against each other in a concerted effort to boost their music standing. He noted that Pearlman would frequently instigate competition by hinting at what the other group was doing, thereby encouraging them to adopt new strategies to remain relevant.

The former band member highlighted that this kind of management tactic turned what could have been a friendly competition into perceived hostility. “It was still going into the same person’s pocket. And none of us knew that. The fans didn’t really know anything about it,” he stated, underscoring the disconnect between the bands and their audience.

Musically, Fatone acknowledged that both *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys produced pop songs that resonated during that era, yet their distinct musical identities evolved over time. The Backstreet Boys became known for their “monster ballad hits,” while *NSYNC found their niche with “monster uptempo hits.” Despite these differences, Fatone stressed that the management’s strategy of separating the bands was intentional.

He recounted that conversations between the bands were kept to a minimum, leaving members to raise questions regarding their management arrangements. “I think that’s the reason why they kept us apart because they didn’t want us to talk because things were not adding up 100%,” he noted during the panel.

Fatone’s reflections echo sentiments expressed by members from both groups in a previous charitable gathering in June 2021, where they shared the stage at “Bingo Under the Stars” in Los Angeles. During this event, *NSYNC’s Lance Bass and Fatone met with Backstreet Boys’ Nick Carter and AJ McLean, offering fans a rare glimpse into their camaraderie beyond the perceived rivalry.

McLean also echoed Fatone’s insights, suggesting that the media played a significant role in intensifying the competition between the groups, long before the influence of social media. Carter acknowledged the fabricated nature of the rivalry, recognising how it inadvertently evolved into something real, especially during their younger years. “When you’re that young and competitive as a teenager, it was healthy competition. But it started from the managers and all of that,” Carter explained.

In recent years, it appears both groups have moved past the competitive narrative that once defined their relationship. With time and shared experiences, they have found common ground and mutual respect for what they endured in the industry. “What’s happening now is that we are realising that we’re the only ones that have gone through what we have together, and we relate to one another,” Carter added, indicating a shift in perspective as they embrace their collective history.

Reflecting on their journeys, it is clear that the stories of *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys have evolved from tales of rivalry into narratives of survival and successful collaboration in a demanding industry. They not only conquered the peak of pop music but also navigated the complexities of fame and competition—often manufactured but ultimately transformative for both groups.

As fans continue to reminisce about the boy band era, these revelations from the members provide a richer understanding of their experiences and highlight the importance of camaraderie in a world that often pits talent against talent for the sake of spectacle. It seems that the passing years have tempered the fiery rivalry, allowing former foes to appreciate their shared past and celebrate their lasting impact on the music industry.