By Tammy Reese
I can still vividly remember the days back in 1997 and 1998 when I would belt out Tearin’ Up My Heart by NSYNC and All I Have to Give by the Backstreet Boys at the top of my lungs. Those songs were the soundtrack of my adolescence, capturing the essence of an era defined by boy bands that took the world by storm. Fast forward to 2024, and the nostalgia was in full swing as I, along with my media colleague LaKisa Renee, had the incredible opportunity to cover a concert featuring none other than Joey Fatone and AJ McLean at the Suburban Park Stage during the Great New York State Fair on August 21.
AJ McLean: The Backstreet Legend
AJ McLean, beloved by fans worldwide, is a name synonymous with the Backstreet Boys—a group whose influence on pop music is undeniable. With countless hits, record-breaking tours, and over $130 million in global sales, the Backstreet Boys have solidified their place in music history. AJ has been performing these iconic songs with unmatched energy for over two decades, captivating audiences with the tight harmonies and infectious rhythms that made the band famous. In recent years, AJ has been busy touring the globe with the Backstreet Boys on their massive DNA Tour, performing over 150 shows across five continents. The band also released a documentary series, Making of the DNA Tour, in 2022, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at their journey. AJ's solo career has also been thriving, with the release of his new single Electric and more music on the way this year.
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Joey Fatone: The NSYNC Sensation
Joey Fatone first captured the hearts of fans as a member of NSYNC, the multi-platinum boy band that took the world by storm. With albums selling over 10 million copies and countless awards to their name, NSYNC's impact on pop culture is undeniable. But Joey's talents extend far beyond music. He has taken on various projects, from television and film to Broadway and even launching his hot dog business, Fat Ones, in Orlando, Florida. In November 2019, Joey thrilled fans at Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival during the Eat to the Beat series with three days of Joey Fatone and Friends. The event featured performances with Chris Kirkpatrick, Ryan Cabrera, Nathan Morris of Boyz II Men, MC Search, and more. In August 2021, he brought together pop superstars like Wanya Morris, Nick Carter, and AJ McLean for AFTR PRTY, an intimate Las Vegas residency that celebrated pop classics. Joey recently made headlines with a highly anticipated reunion with his NSYNC bandmates, releasing their first single in nearly 20 years, Better Place, in November 2023. The track was featured on the soundtrack of Trolls Band Together, the third installment in the Trolls franchise. The band’s appearance at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards and a viral reunion moment in Los Angeles have reignited fans’ excitement for what’s to come.
A Night to Remember
The concert at the Great New York State Fair was nothing short of legendary. AJ and Joey left no crumbs on the stage, delivering a performance that was both iconic and unforgettable. The crowd was a diverse mix of ages, genders, and races, all united by their love for these two pop icons. The chemistry between AJ and Joey was electric as they seamlessly blended their talents to create magic on stage. The show was more than just a concert—it was an interactive experience. AJ and Joey engaged the audience with games, ventured into the crowd to sing and dance, and even performed covers (Bad Romance by Lady Gaga and All Star by Smash Mouth) and show tunes (SpongeBob SquarePants, Friends)), adding a playful element to the evening. As day-one fans, LaKisa and I were on our feet the entire time, dancing and singing along to every song. We started close to the stage as professional journalists capturing the opening numbers, but soon found ourselves front and center, enjoying the show as true fans. The night made us yearn for a full NSYNC and Backstreet Boys concert reunion, but what AJ and Joey are doing together gives us a glimpse of what could be possible. My favorite moments were AJ's Latin version of The Call and Joey’s slowed-down rendition of Tearin’ Up My Heart. Both performances were unique and showcased their incredible range. AJ also gave the audience a powerful and vulnerable moment, sharing his journey of overcoming divorce, self-esteem issues, and his path to sobriety. His performance of Good Enough was particularly heartfelt, leaving a lasting impact on everyone in attendance.
Final Thoughts
AJ McLean and Joey Fatone have made indelible marks in the music industry, and their future is as bright as ever. Their personalities shine through in every performance, amplifying their already immense talent. Anyone who attends their shows is in for a treat, and we can’t recommend it enough. The night was a nostalgic journey that left us wanting more, and we look forward to seeing what these two legends will do next. If you have the chance, don’t miss out on seeing AJ and Joey live at a venue near you—you won’t be disappointed!
Photos provided by Tammy Reese and LaKisa Renee of Tales From The Media
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TAMMY REESE
Tammy Reese began her career as a theater actress performing in 60 live stage shows a year with The Media Unit TV and Stage Production Company. She also directed the weekly live TV show Rough Times Live.
Eventually, she went to Empire State College to obtain her degree in media studies. After graduation, she did more theater and wrote and produced her own videos to spread awareness on social issues through the arts.
Tammy is an award-winning journalist and is best known for her legendary interviews with Angela Bassett, Sigourney Weaver, Jennifer Connelly, Laurence Fishburne, Phylicia Rashad, Sharon Stone, Jasmine Guy, Geena Davis, Billy Porter, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Steven Yeun, Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Lauren Cohan, Giancarlo Esposito, Skeet Ulrich, Sam Reid, Jacob Anderson, Eric Bogosian, Delainey Hayles, Terry O’Quinn, Essie Davis, Luke Evans, Morris Chestnut, Vivica A. Fox, Omar Epps, Joseph Sikora, Ryan Coogler, Carmen Electra, Tom Arnold, Theo Rossi, Ross Marquand, Michael James Shaw, Laila Robins, Mick Garris, Naomi Grossman, Tony Todd, John Kassir and many more.
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