Latest news with #Backstreet


New York Post
13-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
What happened to Brian Littrell's voice? All about the Backstreet Boys singer's health battle
Backstreet's back, all right. The Backstreet Boys kicked off their their highly-anticipated 21-concert 'Into The Millennium' Las Vegas Sphere residency this weekend. But fans of the famous fivesome couldn't help but notice that one of its beloved harmonizers, Brian Littrell, sounded a little different. 5 Brian Littrell has a crippling vocal chord condition that's been haunting him for years. Getty Images The singer, 50, recently opened up about a crippling vocal chord condition that's been haunting him for years. 'I'm seeing a vocal therapist in California, so you know, it's starting to come out,' he told Parade. 'It's starting to feel a little more natural. But, yeah, it's a work in progress. It always will be.' Littrell has been struggling with muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) since 2012. 'That's part of it, just managing it,' he told the outlet. What is muscle tension dysphonia? Muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) is a voice disorder caused by abnormal muscle activity around the voice box (larynx). 5 Littrell has been struggling with muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) since 2012. REUTERS Unlike structural issues like nodules or polyps, MTD isn't the result of damaged tissue — instead, it's caused by excessive tension in the muscles that control speech. This tension interferes with normal vocal cord vibration and can make speaking or singing feel difficult, strained or unnatural. There are two main types: Primary MTD, which happens without any underlying vocal cord abnormality Secondary MTD, which develops as a response to another vocal issue, such as inflammation, injury or overuse 5 The Backstreet Boys kicked off their their highly-anticipated 21-concert 'Into The Millennium' Las Vegas Sphere residency this weekend. WireImage Symptoms of muscle tension dysphonia The hallmark of MTD is a voice that sounds off — but the signs can vary depending on the person. Common symptoms include: A hoarse, rough, raspy or breathy voice Vocal fatigue, especially after talking for long periods Difficulty projecting or controlling pitch and volume A strained or tight sensation in the throat when speaking or singing Voice breaks or a feeling of running out of air mid-sentence 5 Muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) is a voice disorder caused by abnormal muscle activity around the voice box (larynx). SKT Studio – Risk factors and frequency MTD can affect anyone, but it's most commonly seen in people who rely heavily on their voice, such as singers. Factors that can increase the risk of MTD include: Vocal overuse or misuse Stress or anxiety, which can contribute to muscle tension Upper respiratory infections Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) Poor posture or neck tension MTD is a common voice disorder, with estimates suggesting it accounts for up to 40% of all disorders seen in voice clinics. It's especially common in women and people who are between 40 and 50. 5 Treatment focuses on relaxing the muscles around the larynx and retraining vocal technique. Chalabala – Diagnosis and treatment Diagnosis of muscle tension dysphonia typically involves an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT) performing a voice evaluation and physical exam. They would also go over the patient's medical history and vocal habits. Treatment focuses on relaxing the muscles around the larynx and retraining vocal technique. The mainstay is voice therapy, often with a speech-language pathologist who specializes in voice disorders. In rare or severe cases, botox injections into the laryngeal muscles may be considered to reduce excessive tension. With consistent treatment, many people with MTD can return to full voice, though it often requires ongoing maintenance, especially for high-demand vocal professionals.


Daily Mirror
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Backstreet Boys promise 'oh my God' moment as iconic boyband set to make history
The Backstreet Boys are ready to show everyone they are still larger than life as they take over Las Vegas' epic new concert space The Sphere later this month to coincide with Millennium 2.0's release Backstreet's back, it's official! Yes, the Boys – Brian Littrell, Nick Carter, AJ McLean, Kevin Richardson and Howie Dorough – have returned 30 years after they first took the pop world by storm in 1995 with the single, We've Got It Goin' On. Before long, they won scores of devoted teenage fans around the world. Now, the five-piece are all set for a huge Las Vegas takeover this summer, and Brian – who was just 20 when the group skyrocketed to fame – says audiences are in for a real treat. The band are also releasing a reissue of their best-selling 1999 album Millennium, called Millennium 2.0, and will be kicking off a history-making residency that Brian promises will be 'like no other'. Here, OK! catches up exclusively with the now 50-year-old to talk about the wild ride the band's been on and why his son Baylee, 22, his only child with wife Leighanne, 55, is his biggest inspiration. Hi, Brian! It's been 30 years since the Backstreet Boys first found fame. How has your time in the band been? Wow, I mean, how do I put it into words? It's been a wonderful journey with a lot of ups and downs yet, at the same time, a whole lot of joy. We're blessed each and every day to work – if you call it work, and entertain. To still be doing this and for people to still want to hear our music and see our shows, it's amazing. What can people expect from your Las Vegas takeover at The Sphere? A lot of fun! Just because of the building alone, this show is so different. It's so immersive. The seats vibrate. It's like watching a giant movie, so it's going to be exciting and it's going to be something new for our fans as well as for us. But the experience is something like no other. We've got some tricks up our sleeve. We're going to be doing some things that nobody has ever done in The Sphere. But I have to be tight-lipped, so I can't share just yet. Come 11 July, when social media hits, you'll be like, 'Oh, my God!' Go on, give us a clue… It's hard to explain, but there's a show that's on the screen itself, like a movie. It's a journey. We're taking people through time and space. It's Millennium themed. You can get the gist of what it's going to be about if you know the Millennium record. We call it like two shows at once. We will literally be larger than life on screen, you know a good 40 or 50 feet tall. We're the first pop group to do it in The Sphere and we're going to be doing a lot of things that nobody has ever done before. We're still dancing and singing, so we've still got it going on. So, why now and why Millennium? It's been 25 years. Well, it's actually 26 because it came out in 1999. But this is a monumental moment. It was one of the biggest pop records in history around the world. And it's kind of the stamp of approval for us in the music business. It set the benchmark, I think, for every pop group to come after us to be like, 'Wow, we've got to do something like that.' So, it's monumental for us to re-release the album and to have new versions and they're going to be even more fantastic. So, why not share in that journey again, and build a show around it and be the first of our kind to do The Sphere? You must have one song from your catalogue that you never tire of singing? Man, that's hard. You know, we've got a lot of hits. I wrote Larger Than Life and The One. I put The Perfect Fan on that album and dedicated it to my mom. There's a song I love called Siberia – it's probably one of my favourites of all time. What's the secret ingredient to boyband success? Communication. You've got to have the love and passion for it. But, yeah, keeping an open line of communication will keep you together. Your son Baylee is also making a name for himself in the music industry, isn't he? Oh, man. Yeah, he's a singer-songwriter. He was on the last season of American Idol and just had his first single released, called Hey Jesus. He's so talented. I get a little emotional when I talk about my son. He's super gifted and he's taught me a lot about the journey and wanting to be better. He's become my inspiration more than I have been his, lately. The Backstreet Boys' Into The Millennium Sphere residency starts on 11 July and their album Millennium 2.0 is also out the same day
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Backstreet Boys Are Reuniting For Epic Vegas Residency At The Sphere
Backstreet's back – again -- and they're ready to take over Las Vegas. The legendary boy band is reuniting for a special residency at The Sphere, celebrating the 25th anniversary of their iconic album "Millennium" with a high-energy, nostalgia-filled concert series. The iconic members, Kevin Richardson, , Howie Dorough, , and Brian Littrell, are set to perform nine exclusive shows in July, bringing their signature hits and Y2K vibes to the state-of-the-art venue. The Sphere hyped up the announcement on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, calling it the ultimate early-2000s throwback, promising next-level sound and immersive visuals to make every Backstreet Boys classic feel bigger and better than ever. The residency, aptly titled "Into the Millennium," will mark the first time a pop act has headlined The Sphere, setting the stage for a groundbreaking experience. Fans can expect a setlist packed with "Millennium"'s greatest hits, including 'I Want It That Way,' 'Larger Than Life,' and more, alongside other fan-favorite Backstreet bangers. Backstreet's back and fans couldn't be more thrilled. With their highly anticipated return to the stage, the iconic boy band is reigniting nostalgia and proving once again why they're pop royalty. "Hey, really are LARGER THAN LIFE!" one fan wrote as another expressed, "You'll never know how happy I am today! The tour that started it all! I can't wait to see you guys flying with harnesses and the 360-degree stage!" "Congrats to you and the boys -I'm very proud of you!!! But please: First Cancun, now Vegas.... please don't forget your Fans in Europe - we need and have loved you for 30 years!" another X user begged. Others expressed hope for a live stream. "Sounds like an amazing party. But sadly, can't join in this celebration," one X user said. "I always love a Vegas Residency, but I have to admit, it's disappointing that this isn't a World Tour 4 Millennium would have been amazing. Will you guys have a live stream too??" Shortly after the news broke, Nick Carter took to social media to express his excitement about the upcoming reunion. "Backstreet's baaaaack baby! We're bringing the party to @SphereVegas this July 2025!" he said in an X post. More fans responded to Nick, sharing, "This is gonna be so cool! I can't wait to see all the content since I can't be there in person. Hopefully, you guys will bring it to Europe afterward." "So excited and happy for you guys. I wish I could be there to celebrate with all of you! So deserved. Have so much fun," another said. "I am happy for you and those who can participate in it," a third wrote. "Looking forward to all the photos and videos." "This was cool. Looking forward to seeing the visuals inside," a fourth said. "I won't be seeing a show, but please film this for a DVD/Blu-ray release or on streaming platforms." To celebrate the residency announcement, the group recreated their iconic "Millennium" album cover, sending fans straight back to 1999. With their signature harmonies, classic choreography, and a production designed to push the limits of live entertainment, this residency is shaping up to be a must-see event for pop music lovers. The Backstreet Boys will take the stage at The Sphere on the following dates in July: July 11, 12, 13 July 18, 19, 20 July 25, 26, 27 Tickets go on sale this Friday, so fans should act fast to secure their spot at this once-in-a-lifetime event. Whether you've been a fan since the '90s or discovered their hits on a nostalgia playlist, this Vegas residency promises to be an unforgettable celebration of pop music's most iconic era.