Nick Carter Interview: OK Magazine

What do you say when girls say you used to be their pin-up?
That p-es me off because they should still have my poster on their wall! I always ask them why they took it down. Its not like I took down Jean-Claude Van Damme’s poster!

Who is your celebrity crush?
I don’t have a crush on anybody. You’ve got to meet people and get to know them because for me it’s all about the right place and the right time. You can’t judge a book by its cover.

Would you ever marry a fan?
I’ve dated fans, friends, celebrities, business associates, everyone - I don’t discriminate. People do what they do and it doesn’t matter to me. I don’t rule out the possibility of dating someone because of what they do or who they are.

Would you do another reality show again like House of Carters?
I can’t say no, but right now, I wouldn’t. I’d want some sort of integrity involved. I did that show because I wanted to expose who I was, that I was caring and cared about my family, but sometimes real can be too real.

What are your thoughts on fatherhood?
It hasn’t crossed my mind. I’m not really thinking about that sort of thing. I’m thinking about myself and I’m not the marrying kind. But if it happens, it happens. I’m not saying I wouldn’t change my mind, but if I did I’d run away and do it in secret so no one would ever know. note from me - ehh thats good to know lol

Do you think your reality show showed the real you?
It showed me beating up my brother!

Do you think it over-exposed your brother Aaron? He’s been in trouble for drug possession since…
The show was real. Whatever happened, happened. At the moment there are members of my family who are really able to prospoer. I had to straighten up and take a look at myself and I realised I had issues. It’s unfortunate it took that but sometimes a reality check is neccessary in order to grow.

Were you shocked by anything you saw?
I was surprised at the way I looked physically and by the way I was treated by some of the family. I was fat and out of shape but I’ve lose 50lb since. I work out and I eat right, it’s as simple as that.

What’s the worst headline you’ve read about yourself?
That I was a woman beater. Certain people believed it, others didn’t. I tried to defend myself but you tend to lose when you’re up against someone who is so fancied in the media world.

Do girls stop you and tell you they love you?
Yes, I guess so. I love it. It’s odd when they’re screaming at you but it’s also flattering. I have business cards printed out that I hand out depending on the scenario. Okay, I’m joking!

You and AJ are the single ones in the band - are you partners in crime when it comes to pulling?
Maybe. We have fun and enjoy ourselves. I’m energetic and youthful and it’s exciting. I’m not ready to settle yet.

The Backstreet Boys have reunited. Would you ever go solo again?
Definitely, but I will always stay with the comfort of my boys because we have a great relationship. We’ll divide out time individually and group-wise.

Would you ever have another high-profile relationship after Paris Hilton?
It really depends but I’ve grown up since then. It would have to be with a person who was really grounded and mature and was over that whole playing-around stage. She’d have to be a nice person who could give my mind a whirl. They’d have to have a spark that intrigued me intellectually.

Are you helping Aaron on the road to recovery?
I'm doing my best with him. Aaron had issues way before the show. Some people are able to look at themselves and do the right thing, but that isn't the case for Aaron. I don't believe it was bad for him. I think he saw himself and thought he could make a difference if he wanted to, but if he's ignored it that's another thing.

SOURCE: LiveDaily

Nick Carter's fan romance

Nick Carter would happily date a fan.

The Backstreet Boys star - who previously had a high-profile relationship with Paris Hilton - insists he is willing to date girls from different backgrounds, as long as they challenge him mentally.

He said: "I've dated fans, friends, celebrities, business associates, everyone - I don't discriminate. People do what they do and it doesn't matter to me. I don't rule out the possibility of dating someone because of what they do or who they are.

"I want a nice person who has a spark that intrigued me intellectually."

However, Nick has ruled himself out of getting involved in another celebrity romance, and believes he has matured since splitting from Paris.

He added: "I don't know if I'd have another high-profile relationship, I've grown up a lot since Paris. It would have to be with a person who was really grounded and mature and was over that whole playing-around stage."

Nick also admits he isn't sure if he will ever feel ready to settle down and start a family.

He told Britain's OK! magazine: "I haven't thought about fatherhood. I'm thinking about myself and I'm not the marrying kind. I'm not saying I wouldn't change my mind, but if I did I'd run away and do it in secret so no one would ever know.

"I'm energetic and youthful and it's exciting. I'm not ready to settle just yet."

(C) BANG Media International

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Journalism students aim to help sea mammals

BY JULIE LEVIN

Special to The Miami Herald

Gone are the days when high school journalism class meant a pad and pencil.

In teacher Jamie Aquino's journalism class at Plantation High School, the students are doing their learning online, with what they hope will become a global initiative.

They've created a website, called Pier2Pier with a goal to spearhead a worldwide conservation effort for Florida's dolphins and manatees.

''My students and I want to reach as many young people as possible with the message of conservation and protection for marine mammals,'' Aquino said. ``We plan on getting our message across through a variety of ways, including a newsletter, website, public service announcements and fundraisers.''

The website is formatted as a learning tool, with students gaining experience not only in writing articles but learning how to post them, creating newsletters, marketing their project and designing their site.

''They are all journalism skills they can use in the real world,'' Aquino said. ``It shows you can teach journalism in really unique ways.''

Students in Aquino's two journalism classes are each taking a different role in getting the word out to fellow students around the world.

It was Jonathon Antoine's job to work on the newsletter that introduces the initiative. The 16-year-old sophomore from Sunrise said the project has given him a new look at how the media work.

''I see how Internet websites function and how you interview people,'' he said.

The students are working with a host of state, federal and international agencies. Their initial push is to raise funds to assist marine mammal rescue networks in Florida, purchase recycling bins where old fishing lines can be collected to reduce marine debris and entanglement, and raise as much as $50,000 to help build an education and conservation project in Haiti.

Student Rahsul Shaw of Sunrise wants to be a TV sports anchor one day. For now, he is serving as Pier2Pier spokesman, trying to rally support among students, media and even celebrities by contacting their agents via e-mail.

''We feel if we could get someone popular involved, we could get children involved and expand to a greater audience,'' the 18-year-old senior said.

The initiative was created by Aquino, who grew up in South Florida and always loved marine life. When she started teaching three years ago, she began looking for something that could bring attention to the creatures' plight while creating a teaching tool.

She approached Backstreet Boys singer Nick Carter, who lives in Florida and is known not only for his music but also for his love of the water.

They contacted the United Nations Convention on Migratory Species, which agreed to sponsor Pier2Pier as part of its Year of the Dolphin campaign and make Carter a special ambassador for the 2008 campaign.

Other organizations involved in their effort include the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, the Save the Manatee Club, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the National Marine Fisheries Service.

They also will be working with the Bryan Adams Foundation to help build a high school and marine conservation program in Labadie, on Haiti's northern coast.

Elie Darius, originally of Haiti, is one of several students in the program from a Caribbean country. He grew up in Limbe, not far from the village where they hope to set up the school.

''Where I come from is a hard place to live and we don't have opportunities like Americans, so it feels good to help out,'' said Elie, 17.

Pier2Pier will have its first Dinner for the Dolphins fundraiser on May 4 aboard the Jungle Queen tour boat at 801 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. The evening will feature celebrity guests, live music and a silent auction. The event is open to the public. Tickets cost $30 per person. For information, visit www.pier2pier.net or call Jamie Aquino at 954- 439-6458.

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A.J. McLean: I Can Finally Speak My Mind

Taking a long-awaited side trip, A.J. McLean says his first solo project will let fans know "who I am outside of the Backstreet Boys."

"It feels good, man. It's really been 15 years in the making," McLean, 30, tells PEOPLE.

While he's not leaving the group, and will soon be heading out on a European tour with his band-mates, McLean is stepping out on his own for two concert appearances this Sunday and Monday in California, performing songs from his album that comes out later this year (Get a sneak peek of the music on his Web site.)

"Once I got sober things really kind of kicked into gear for me," says McLean, a recovering alcoholic now six years sober. "Everything I was feeling, I started just putting it down with pen on paper and applying music to it."

Audiences who catch his solo shows (including shows at small venues throughout Europe after the Backstreet tour ends May 15) won't get a boy-band show.

"There are no dancers, no big flashing lights – it's just about the music and about me." he says. " I can speak my mind, say whatever I want to say, and not feel like I have to be censored. It's me being myself and I'm not a kid anymore. If I want to say the S-word on stage I can do that. I'm 30 years old. I can talk about what I want to talk about."

How do the other Backstreet Boys feel about it? "The group is very supportive of him," says a source close to the band. In fact, the source adds, "You will most likely see the group members at the shows in Los Angeles and London."

SOURCE: People

Boys no more

Backstreet Boys performed to a 10,000-strong crowd in Sunway Lagoon recently. LIN MEI ZHEN talks to A.J. McLean about the group’s continued popularity

THE Backstreet Boys has not faded into obscurity like its peers from the 90s— LFO, 98 Degrees and BBMak.

Instead, the group has defied the odds and remain an active music act still releasing albums regularly, gaining airplay in Malaysia and touring.

The group currently comprises Brian Littrell, Nick Carter, Howie Dorough and A.J. McLean. Kevin Richardson left in 2006 to pursue stage acting.

Says McLean of the band’s longevity: “It’s pretty overwhelming. It's flattering to have success in countries where the fans may not speak your language, but they know all the words to your songs and all the dance moves! We have the best fans.”

But age catching up is something that isn’t lost on McLean and his fellow “boys”. He admits to things being different now and says the group is not likely to pose in wet T-shirts like it did back in the 90s.

“Oh my lord, what were we wearing? The only guy who isn’t in his 30s yet is Nick, but we all definitely see things differently now,” says McLean, laughing.

While they may not have the same level of fame they used to, McLean says it doesn’t really matter.

What the group now has is more than enough to sustain it for a while.

“We still have fans interested in seeing us. We want to do this for another 10 or 15 years.

“Who knows? Maybe even many more years. But we may not dance as much and we may have walkers on stage,” jokes McLean.

Beyond the group’s own effort to keep going, McLean has noticed that there is a new wave of pop acts out there keeping pop music alive today.

Pop music started taking a back seat in the last few years, giving way to hip hop and rock acts. The new wave of pop would be thanks to artistes related to High School Musical and American Idol graduates.

“There’s definitely a positive new wave of pop resurfacing,” says McLean.

Beyond Backstreet Boys’ most recent release, Unbreakable, fans of the group can look forward to more solo releases.

“My solo album is done. I’m just waiting for the record label to release that.

“Nick and Brian are working on new ones too. Howie has his Latin pop album in the works.

“Musically, mine will reflect my influences who are musicians like Prince, Al Green and Lenny Kravitz,” explains McLean.

SOURCE: Sunday People

EXonline Article (Mexico)

Boy bands have long been considered pre-fabricated according to a simple formula of good-looking members with stereotyped personalities and not necessarily talented. They have been attacked by music critics and parodied by such diverse programs as “The Simpsons” “South Park” and artists like Eminem and Blink 182. Brian Littrell, one of the blondes of the Backstreet Boys, the group that will be performing their hits and songs from their most recent CD, “Unbreakable”, today at the National Auditorium, defends the style that they represent.

“Some people like us and some don’t; they have the right to listen to and buy whom they want to, no one is forcing them to do anything. The boy bands have changed a lot over the years, I think the the most important ones in terms of sales, world tours and hits has been NSync and us. There was an explosion of pop in the 90’s and the first years of this millenium. It made it possible to succeed, although there will always be new groups and styles, the world continues moving and changing,” said the companion of Howie Dorough, Nick Carter and AJ Mclean.

Beginning in 2005 with their CD “Never Gone,” Brian and Nick play instruments live, which was painfully criticized by “Rolling Stone” magazine, which considered it a pseudo-rock look that had nothing to do with boy bands.

“Perhaps Backstreet Boys will someday be a band, but that will not give us more fans, do not we are not doing it to gain credibility. We are not rock band, R&B or hip-hop, we simply do pop music. It is not necessary that we always play instruments, because we made our fame by dancing and singing, now I am 33 years old and I have learned to play the drums, the piano and the guitar, that way we write songs better. We’e been in this business for 16 years in this business and we like to learn new things”, he said emphatically before the concert they offered in Monterrey last Wednesday, in which Nick played electric guitar and drummed a little, and he (Brian) played an acoustic guitar.

The television channel VH1 created the reality show, “Out of Sync”, ( whose name refers to NSync), whose participants were former members of boy bands like Color Me Bad, 98 Degrees, LFO and NSync, and which proposed to give them a final opportunity to become famous again. MTV likewise created “Totally Boyband”, another reality show of the same tipe which was broadcast in Great Britain and whose participants were former members of boy bands intent on returning to fame as part of the group, Upper Street.

“I’ve never watched those shows, but I know they exist; if some channel in the future wants to do a program using our name they would need our approval. I think it would be interesting if they did a reality show about us, people would take note that we are normal types and t”hat we don’t have a sumptuous life style, but in the end, perhaps it wouldn’t work because those programs only are successful if the people (in them) fight and misbehave; that is not the case with us,” he said.

Without a doubt it’s impossible to deny their commercial success; the Backstreet Boys are the best-selling boy band of all time, with sales to date of 100 million copies in their 15-year career, followed by New Kids on the Block wtih 70 millions, NSync with 56 million, Westlife with 47 (million) and Take That with 25 (million)

“I don’t know if we will return to the success that we had in the 90’s and in 2000, although I hate to say it, I think we will never again sell 40 million copies, occurred with our album, “Millenium”, because the music industry has not been doing well. Some people think that our career is in decline because we don’t sell 10 million CDs or more, but I don’t see it that way. As complicated as things are in the industry, if we sell a million I think (”it would appear to me”) that we are on the upswing,” he opined.

The Christian singer who in 2006 launched his solo CD, “Welcome Home,” wants Backstreet Boys music to sell more on the internet.

“What Radiohead did ws a brilliant idea; I think nowadays we should sell more music on the internet, although we shouldn’t give it away because it cost money to make it. People nowadays want to buy songs, not complete CD that have themes that they don’t like; it would be very good to sell Backstreet Boys music on iTunes,” he said.

A fan of music from artists like Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Chris Brown, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, he spoke of the prepration of the next Backstreet Boys album.

We want to enter the studio this summer and we hope the the record would be ready at the end of this year or later in 2009. Normally first we make the music, we listen to it in the (tour) bus and we pick our favorite themes. We are thinking of regressing to rhythm and blues or we are discussing perhaps some dance music,” he put forward.

Source: EXonline / translated by Mike

Backstreet Boy A.J. McLean Goes Solo

By Mark Dagostino

Originally posted Tuesday March 18, 2008 06:00 PM EDT

Backstreet Boy A.J. McLean put tickets on sale Tuesday for two sneak-preview solo concerts this coming Sunday and Monday in the Los Angeles area.

On Sunday, McLean will play the House of Blues in Anaheim; and on Monday the famous Roxy on L.A.'s Sunset Strip.

"After 13 years with the Backstreet Boys, and 75 million records sold worldwide, A.J.'s excited to take a step out on his own and present his music, in his style," his manager, Eric Podwall, tells PEOPLE. "He's excited to connect to his fans on a one-on-one basis at smaller venues – something you can't do in large arenas – and to give them a taste of some of the music that will appear on his first solo record later this year."

McLean's record, expected to be released toward the end of the year, will include songs such as "What If," "I Hate It When You're Gone," "London," and "Drive-By Love," a tune that McLean has already been singing at Backstreet Boys shows.

Following his own two shows, as well as the Backstreet Boys' European tour wrapping up May 14, McLean is set to play a series of solo shows in small venues throughout Europe before returning the States to continue working on the record.

But Backstreet Boys fans need not fret. A source also confirms that McLean is planning to record another album with the group next year.

SOURCE: People

Chicago's Ravinia Festival Takes Shape

Tuesday, Mar 18, 2008 3:11AM

James Taylor, Sheryl Crow, Backstreet Boys, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Dave Brubeck, Dianne Reeves and Betty Buckley are just a few of the jazz, pop and cabaret performers who will be on board for this year's Ravinia Festival.

The annual summer concert series, which kicks off with a pair of shows by Taylor June 6-7, takes place in Chicago suburb Highland Park, Ill., at Ravinia Park, summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra since 1906.

Other jazz offerings for this year include Gilberto Gil (June 19), Dave Brubeck Quartet on a triple bill with the Ramsey Lewis Trio and the Turtle Island Quartet (June 21), Reeves and The Manhattan Transfer (June 22), Jane Monheit and Michael Feinstein in "Gershwin Under the Stars" (August 17), Tony Bennett (August 22-23), and a "Legends of Jazz" show, featuring the Ramsey Lewis Trio, plus Kurt Elling and Ernie Watts performing music of John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman (September 12). (July 11), (August 24),

Pop acts on the schedule include Taylor, Isaac Hayes and Roberta Flack (June 13), Kenny Loggins (June 15), Willie Nelson (June 20), Boz Scaggs (June 27), The Temptations and The Four Tops (June 28), FeistLyle Lovett and His Large Band (July 12), Punch Brothers, featuring Chris Thile (July 21), Hootie & the Blowfish (July 25), Los Lonely Boys and Los Lobos (August 8), UB40 (August 20), Backstreet BoysJonny Lang and Buddy Guy (August 28), Dave Stewart (August 29) and Donna Summer (August 30).

The "Martinis at the Martin" cabaret series features Kevin Cole performing "In the Words of Ira: The Songs of Ira Gershwin" (June 8), Barbara Cook (July 6-7) and Carol Lawrence (September 4).

World music fare on the roster includes Tiempo Libre (May 31), Los Tigres del Norte (June 14) and Gipsy Kings (August 2).

Other various offerings include Garrison Keillor presenting a live national broadcast of "A Prarie Home Companion" (July 5), "Lawn of Lincoln," a free day of music featuring Tony Andriacchi, the Harlem Quartet, Chicago Tap Theatre and others (September 7) and the Ruth Page Festival of Dance, featuring Luna Negra Dance Theatre (May 31), Concert Dane, Inc. (June 11-12), Natya Dance Theatre (June 28), Joffrey Ballet (August 16) and River North Chicago Dance Company (September 13).

Tickets for the series go on sale online April 17 at Ravinia.org and via phone May 18. Cabaret shows can be purchased only as a series, though lawn seats will be sold for individual concerts.

SOURCE: Pollstar

Backstreet Boys Still Gets Crowd Screaming

By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter

Backstreet Boys, one of the most popular boy bands of all-time, returned to Seoul for a successful concert at the Olympic Fencing Stadium, Saturday evening.

On their 16th year as Backstreet Boys, the now four-member group still has what it takes to get a crowd of thousands on its feet and screaming. Brian Littrell, Howie Dorough, A. J. McLean and Nick Carter showed a lot of energy during the Seoul concert, which was their last stop on the Asian leg of their ``Unbreakable'' world tour.

Once the lights dimmed, the crowd roared with excitement as one by one, the Backstreet Boys appeared on stage. Each member was introduced in the same way a boxer is before a fight. Appropriately enough, they were all wearing satin boxer's robes as they sang ``Larger than Life.''

``It's great to be back to this beautiful country,'' Dorough said, in between songs.

Backstreet Boys performed several ballads and pop-rock songs from their recent albums ``Never Gone'' and ``Unbreakable.'' However, it was apparent the crowd knew more of the songs from the group's earlier albums.

To keep things fresh, the Backstreet Boys tweaked many of their hit songs such as ``I Want it That Way,'' ``As Long as You Love Me'' and ``Quit Playing Games (With My Heart).''

It's impossible to expect the Boys to sing and dance like they did in their music videos in the late 1990's, since the members are all in their early 30's except for 28-year old Carter. They still had a few dance moves, but none of their old complicated routines or flashy back-up dancers.

Even the stage seemed somewhat bare, with just a few chairs and the band. Only the lighting would change as the group performed different songs.

Backstreet Boys were at their best with romantic ballads like ``More than This.'' The Boys seemed pretty laid-back while singing ``Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely,'' as they sat around a table, playing poker and smoking cigars.

Each member had a chance to do a solo performance. Carter and Littrell have already released their solo albums in the past years, while Dorough and McLean are currently working on theirs.

Dorough surprised many with a strong performance of a Latin-inspired number ``She's Like the Sun,'' which will appear on his forthcoming solo album. McLean did a rock song, ``Drive By Love,'' and Carter, who appeared to have some vocal problems, sounded hoarse while also doing a rock number. Littrell sang ``Welcome Home,'' which was a number one hit on the U.S. Christian music charts.

Since it was their last concert in Asia, they specially performed an extra song ``Unsuspecting Sunday Afternoon.''

Fans surprised the Backstreet Boys by throwing yellow airplanes towards the stage during the ``Inconsolable'' performance. The members looked surprised, but delighted the fans by throwing the airplanes back into the audience and even autographing some of the airplanes.
McLean thanked the fans for continuing to support the Backstreet Boys through the years.
``We really liked the paper airplanes. We never had anything like that. It was really cool,'' he said, as the fans cheered.

Backstreet Boys ended the concert with their hit ``Shape of My Heart,'' and a promise to be back in Seoul for another concert.

cathy@koreatimes.co.kr

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Backstreet Boys: Where Are They Now? On Tour in Asia

After the late 1990s, the Backstreet Boys seemed to fade into the boy band graveyard, with the bubble gum beats occasionally popping up on a VH1 special or adult contemptorary radio station.

Despite their recent relatively low profile, the boys, now men, are back in Asia. The best selling boy band of all time, which grossed a staggering $2.2 billion between 1997 and 2005, is now playing to older fans at more modest venues.

It's a classic tale for the superstars who have tasted levels of fame and success that few of us will ever know. Ten years ago, millions of screaming fans had their CDs permanently on repeat, but at their recent Hong Kong show, only 30 showed up to greet them at the airport. You can judge from the video clip above to see whether or not they still have the agility of their teenage years.

Although Asia continues to embrace Western artists, its local artists and musical styles are flourishing. On MTV's websites for mainland China artists like and He Jie from the popular Super Girl TV contest, and rocker Xie Tianxiao receive top billing. MTV's site for Taiwan and Hong Kong also features Asian musicians, like Japanese star Kokia or the Taiwanese-American singer Wang Lee-Hom.

South Korean phenomenon, Rain, has been a huge success, with his 2006 concert grossing over $100 million worldwide. His two Las Vegas shows sold out within a week, but in Japan, his concert sold out in about 30 seconds.

While he still doesn't have the name recognition in Canada. that Celine Dion has throughout South Korea, perhaps within the next decade or so the music balance could shift. With North American and European music sales faltering, and many major record labels restructuring, it's possible that within time, music from Asian countries could dominate the global charts.

But even in the midst of this growing industry, there's still room for familiar favorites like the Backstreet Boys.

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Backstreet Boys hit HK

BEIJING, March 4 -- The Backstreet Boys played their first Hong Kong concert, at the Asia World-Expo, last Friday.


The show, part of the American pop quartet's Unbreakable World Tour 2008, follows the release of the group's sixth album, "Unbreakable" last October.

It's the group's first concert in Hong Kong. The band has been away from the limelight for a long time, but it never officially broke up.

AJ Mclean, member of Backstreet Boys, said, "A lot of people in between "Black And Blue" and " Never Gone" thought we've broken up, thought we were done and we never really broke up, we've just taken a break, we had toured for nine years straight. And we had not taken a break, we probably going cuckoo, and probably wouldn't be here right now."

The group's first two albums, "Backstreet Boys" and "Millennium," released in 1997 and 1999, sold more than 10 million copies each and topped the charts in 25 countries. To date the Backstreet Boys have released 6 studio albums which sold over 75 million copies worldwide.

Brian Littrell, member of Backstreet Boys, said, "And I think look back on the past and everything happened with a reason, we're here today, you know because it's just meant to be. I think we would continue to get stronger hopefully, we have another 15 years together, but you know we always want it to be better musically, emotionally, physically. Touring get us back in shape and make us more ambitious, give us a drive, see our fans faces, make us stay out, tour forever."

The boy band, now comprised of Brian Littrell, Howie Dorough, A.J. McLean and Nick Carter, has already performed in Malaysia, Australia, the Philippines and Indonesia. The group will go on to perform in Tokyo, and Seoul after playing a concert in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province.

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