Backstreet Boys

Find out how you can be November's Soldier of the Month here

With 2018 ending in less than a 80 days, 2019 is shaping up to be the year of the Backstreet Boys yet again! With the last round of Vegas dates and a tour that they can’t help but tease about, we wondered what songs fans would like to see performed that the guys haven’t performed in years.

Even though the boys performed a ton of songs they haven’t performed in years in May on the Backstreet Boys cruise, a lot of fans didn’t get to see those live and in person. From “Feels Like Home,” “The Answer To Our Lives,” “What Makes You Different (Makes You Beautiful” to “It’s True,” “Like A Child,” “If I Don’t Have You” and “Breathe,” fans pretty much want to see the entire Backstreet Boys catalog of hits, never released songs and songs that they didn’t even record.

Brittany Bumgarner of Charlotte, North Carolina would actually like to see actual album tracks that haven’t been performed on tour in years.

The five songs that Brittany would like to see return to the guys’ tour are “Poster Girl,” “No One Else Comes Close,” “Don’t Wanna Lose You Now,” “Everyone” and “Hey, Mr. DJ.”

“As an AJ girl, the performance of (‘Hey Mr. DJ’) from the “Live In Orlando” (DVD) ruined me for life,” Brittany said. “I still want it and fangirl. I’d love to see it again now. (His) wifebeater and red hair are also welcome.”

But what would song would Brittany pick if she could only pick one of those songs to add to the guys’ new tour?

“The answer changes depending on the day, but today, I'd choose ‘Poster Girl’,” she said. “Aside from the stellar runs that AJ and Brian do at the end of the song, there is a deeper connection. One time I was asked what song would play as I walked out to bat if I was a professional baseball player, and my answer was ‘Poster Girl.’ That song is about living life to the fullest and taking chances, and someone finding the beauty in that. Jodi is the woman I aspire to be!”

Meet Brittany, the 2018 October Soldier of the Month!

Fan Club Username: SouthernBelle Britt

Twitter: @blu3y3dballa (pronounced blue-eyed baller. I created the handle years ago when I was a college basketball player and Twitter first became a thing, but it is how the Backstreet community and AJ recognize me, so I can't change the dang thing.)

Where are you from?
Charlotte, NC

What do you do for a living? (job, etc.)
I am the head of Alumni and Parent Relations at Wingate University, a small liberal arts college right outside of Charlotte. My work involves a lot of communications, event planning, and relationship building; it is a great career field!

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
- I'm a concert junkie who loves ‘90s music, and my favorite artist to see live other than the Boys is the Goo Goo Dolls.
- I'm getting married to my partner of 6.5 years on April 27. He is fully supportive of my Backstreet habit.
- My concert partners for the past 21 years have been my mom and my sister. Those adventures keep us connected when we all live in different places.
- I have two kitties, who are like kids. I would have more if my fiancé would agree to it.
- I want to travel the world and meet as many people, see as many things, and taste as much food as I can!

How long have you been a BSB fan?
21 years. Saying that out loud makes me feel both old and incredibly proud.

How did you become a fan?
I became a true fan thanks to my best friend in 6th grade, Kristin. She introduced me to the red European album at a sleepover and opened a door that never closed. From that moment forward, I needed EVERYTHING. Every single. The pillows from the self-titled US album. The VHS tapes. The concert tickets. And not much has changed 21 years later; now all of the things I need are just way more expensive!

What is your favorite BSB memory?
This is the hardest question to answer; 21 years has given me so many. I think one of the most powerful, unforgettable experiences was Good Morning America (and especially the VIP event the night before) that marked Kevin's "official return" to BSB. I shared those two days with some of my best friends, saw Times Square for the first time, met Kevin for the first time, screamed (a lot), cried (it was Kevin's fault), and experienced something that was once in a lifetime for our fandom. It was amazing, and I was so fortunate to be a part of it.

What is your favorite BSB song and why?
“Something That I Already Know.” I was in a toxic 6-year relationship that I was constantly trying to breathe life into, but I needed to walk away from. And at the right moment, under the right circumstances, this song came on my shuffle. I put it on repeat, had my emotional breakdown, and finally accepted the fate of what was going to happen. The next day, I got my Unbreakable tattoo. Not only is that my favorite album, with the song that finally gave me the strength to walk away from a relationship that was no longer good for either of us; the Boys remind me constantly that I am unbreakable. I am strong and capable. I am unique, and that makes me beautiful and worthy of someone's love, including my own. And all of that happened because of the perfect song at the perfect moment.

What is your favorite BSB video and why?
This is probably cliché, but I'd probably say “Everybody.” The make-up, costuming, and choreography are iconic. That was the video that took over TRL in the afternoons for MONTHS. And I used to watch (and re-watch) the making of the video on my All Access VHS like it was the first time every time. There is just something about it!

Who is your favorite Backstreet Boy and why?
I grew up with an equal number of AJ and Brian posters on my wall at all times as to not show favoritism. However, as an adult, I would have to say AJ. In addition to his immense talent and unique raspy voice, he is just a kick-ass human. I appreciate the man that he has grown into, flaws and all. Who would've thought AJ would be a dad? And such a darn cute one?! I just love watching his evolution.

How has BSB impacted your life?
Although I am not musically inclined, music has always been my outlet. There is a song for every mood, every emotion, every moment. The Backstreet Boys have essentially provided a soundtrack for my life. From the time I was 10, they've been here with the right song at the right moment. And once I started my Backstreet adventures about 9 years ago, I've met some of my very best friends, some of which I hope to see at my wedding in April.

What is your favorite thing about being a BSB fan?
I belong to a community of people who understand how amazing these five men are and the impact they've had over the past 25 years. I got made fun of for being a BSB fan when the Boys were at their pinnacle, and I get made fun of now. But I couldn't care less, because I know there are people who understand me. People who share my passion and my love of the Boys and their music. I love that there is a place for me to meet these people and, if I'm lucky, make real friends.

Have you been to Vegas?
Vegas is amazing! I've seen the show 8 times. I said my last trip was the final Vegas show for me, but I have a hard time saying no...

What has been your favorite BSB moment over the past 25 years?
Another tough one! I think my favorite moment over the past 25 years is the Boys' documentary. It showcased over two decades of highs and lows- of the real journey that has taken place beyond the pinnacle of their career. I was/am so proud of all they have done and all that they will do!

What's one thing you are most looking forward to with the future of the Backstreet Boys?
The continued evolution of their artistry. They continue to be more involved in the creative process, and I love seeing their immense talents at work.

By Karah-Leigh Hancock
http://backstreetboys.com/users/karahleigh
@Princess_Karah