CNN Transcript: Success Continues for the Backstreet Boys

Back - Index - Submissions - - What is RSS? Date: May 29, 2099 Source: CNN: Showbiz Today Submitted By: BsBGRL2099@aol.com MARK SCHEERER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Take a look at a bonafide phenomenon. With songs like this on only their second CD, these five guys have set the music world on its ear. BACKSTREET BOYS, SINGERS: Hi, we're the Backstreet Boys. SCHEERER: Spurred by pay-per-view events like the one Showtime aired in February, the fervor over these five young men sent sales of their new CD, "Millennium," to record heights. With 1.13 million units sold, they broke the six-month-old one-week sales record held by Garth Brooks. This might have been expected, since their self-titled debut, which came out nearly two years ago, has sold 10 million copies in the U.S. alone. In part, it's a testament to the skills of Louis Pearlman, whose Transcontinental Media Company is fueling the new bubble-gum wave with its stable of groups like Backstreet, 'N Sync, Britney Spears, and C- Note. (on camera): Here in Times Square, where in the '40s bobbysoxers squealed over Frank Sinatra, and not far from the hotel where in the '60s teens screamed for the Beatles, the Backstreet Boys recently put in their bid for wild in the streets immortality. (voice-over): MTV says 10,000 fans turned out over two days to catch a glimpse of their heroes. This was ground zero for the Backstreet Boys boom. Whether it goes bust, like the New Kids On The Block did eventually, is the question. But their sales figures are so strong it looks like, better late than never, perhaps, one should learn their names, at least: Nick, Howie, Brian, A.J. and Kevin. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, BACKSTREET BOYS VIDEO) BACKSTREET BOYS (singing): Tell me why. Ain't nothing but a heart ache. Tell me why. Ain't nothing but a mistake. Tell me why. I never want to hear you say I want it that way. (END VIDEO CLIP) SCHEERER: The CD titled "Millennium" appears to be an appropriate choice. The Backstreet Boys stand poised to at least make it to the turn of the century as a pop force to be reckoned with. Mark Scheerer, CNN Entertainment News, New York. (END VIDEOTAPE) Comment on this item. Next Item: Quote of the Week: Rob Zombie Prev Item: Backstreet Boys: MTV Asia's Artist Of The Month