Latest news with #IWantItThatWay
San Francisco Chronicle
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Why ‘& Juliet' is the smartest dumb musical you need to watch
The Backstreet Boys' 'I Want It That Way' might have made teeny boppers lose their minds a quarter-century ago, but the Grammy-nominated track might have finally self-actualized as duet by a playwriting couple haggling over how a show should end. (Apologies to Nick Carter et al. and my seventh-grade peers, but it's true.) Likewise, did you know that Bon Jovi's 'It's My Life' is secretly an anthem for coming back from the dead? Or that Britney Spears' 'I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman' is a tremulous ballad of self-discovery for a nonbinary person daring to envision, reckon with and claim their identity? The production is anchored by two generative constraints: One, Anne Hathaway (Teal Wicks) insists that her husband William Shakespeare (Corey Mach) rewrite 'Romeo and Juliet' so that its heroine (Rachel Simone Webb) doesn't kill herself at the end but gets to go on adventures, exercise agency and learn how to own her choices. And two, she's propelled on her journey by the incomparable pop catalog of Swedish composer Max Martin, with its earnest relatability and devilish hooks. In scene after scene, that premise plays like a theatrical round of pop music bingo. You wonder what bit of Billboard 100 ubiquity the dialogue is teeing up, and then when the first notes of Ariana Grande or Katy Perry strike, the first person in the audience to audibly recognize it wins. But everyone else wins, too, when P! nk and Demi Lovato hits reveal themselves in a new context, appreciating anew just how sturdy yet flexible Martin's oeuvre is. The overall effect is a bit like combining 'Six' and 'Moulin Rouge! The Musical' — a pop medley gives pop feminism to the Renaissance. Let's be clear: Pop and musical theater are different art forms. When we turn on the radio, we want something easy on the ears, that can fade into the background. Here, vocal flatness can be a virtue; it doesn't call too much attention to itself or demand much of its listener. So to hear conservatory-trained voices give shape, shading and heft to familiar tunes also offers a new way to relish what's special about bursting into song onstage. As Juliet absconds with a band of friends to Paris, where new star-crossed loves await, Webb gives her a voice with the depth of a cavern with many secret chambers of pools. Nick Drake, playing her nonbinary BFF, May, sings with both a feathery tenderness and a bristly inborn drama. Meanwhile, Wicks gives each note a beginning, middle and end of yearning, like a mom brushing the tangles out of your hair with loving firmness. Comedic chops are just as well honed. Michael Canu as a himbo gives simple ideas the soul-deep focus that's only possible when you have one precious brain cell. Mateus Leite Cardoso as the geeky François, Juliet's potential new match, uses a vocal fry whine to delightful effect; it's the nebbish's only defense against the forces of fate. As Lance, François' father, Paul-Jordan Jansen deploys an accent so cheesy that melted brie might actually be lining his vocal cords. Perhaps inevitably, '& Juliet' can feel like an overstuffed grab bag of romcom and pop music formulas. Tug at its easy girl power politics ever so slightly, and the seams unravel, revealing a narrative as safe and tidy as any Hollywood drivel. Formulas get a bad rap, but the thing is, they work. They release our inner pressure valves, quench our cravings. '& Juliet' works best when it embraces exactly how dumb those old tricks are. The Backstreet Boys should not be able to patch up a marriage, and yet they do — and we want them to — sure as a pop song returns to its I chord.
Perth Now
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
AJ McLean and estranged wife 'have been going out on dates'
AJ McLean and his estranged wife Rochelle have been "going out on dates here and there". The 47-year-old singer announced his separation from Rochelle in 2023, but AJ admits that the "love is still there" regardless of their current relationship status. The Backstreet Boys star - who has daughters Elliott, 12, and Lyric, eight, with Rochelle - told Us Weekly: "We're doing good. "We are co-parenting to the best of our ability, and we both have a lot of growing to kind of still go through, but I think we are moving in a really positive direction." AJ suggested that he and his estranged wife could be on the road towards a reconciliation. He explained: "We have a family together that's obviously not going anywhere. "We have been spending a lot of time together as a family and, you know, her and I going out on dates here and there." AJ's marriage suffered amid his struggles with drug addiction. But the chart-topping singer insists he's now in a much better place and he remains hopeful of reuniting with Rochelle one day. He said: "Now things are completely different, but I think different in a good way for both of us. "Fingers crossed that everything works out in the end, but either way, we'll always be close and love each other and be the best parents we could be for our girls." In 2024, AJ revealed that he remained hopeful of reconciling with Rochelle. The singer admitted that all options were still open, in spite of their high-profile split. He told Us Weekly at the time: "I think we're in the best place we've almost ever been. So, you know, there's high hopes for the future. Who knows?" Despite this, AJ acknowledged that his sobriety was his short-term priority. The singer suggested that he needed to overcome his personal issues before he turned his focus towards Rochelle and their relationship. The I Want It That Way hitmaker - who married Rochelle back in 2011 - said: "I'm just trying to stay focused on my sobriety, my kids, spending time with my family. Rochelle and I have an amazing relationship, and we're having a great time, honestly."
New York Post
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
What do last-minute Backstreet Boys Las Vegas Sphere tickets cost?
Vivid Seats is the New York Post's official ticketing partner. We may receive revenue from this partnership for sharing this content and/or when you make a purchase. Featured pricing is subject to change. The countdown to the 'Millennium' Las Vegas residency is almost over. On Friday, July 11, The Backstreet Boys launch their 2025 'Into The Millennium' Sphere stint, making them the first pop act to headline the visually spectacular venue. As of now, Nick, AJ, Howie, Kevin and Brian's have 21 shows scheduled at the Sin City entertainment space. The gigs will go down on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays up until Aug. 24. At all concerts, the BSB Army can expect to hear cuts from their iconic 1999 album like Larger Than Life,' 'I Want It That Way,' 'Show Me The Meaning of Being Lonely' and 'The One' as well as fan favorites from their other albums, few deep cuts and their recently-released single 'Hey.'' Best of all, though, the late '90s icons promise to put on a fully immersive evening for the fans. 'It'll be kind of like when you went to the movies in the 90s and rode the film roller coaster…except 25 years of technology later. Hope you're ready to take a trip,' the group shared via Instagram. If you want to take the 'film roller coaster' ride of a lifetime, tickets are available for all 21 Backstreet Boys 'Into The Millennium' Sphere shows. At the time of publication, the lowest price we could find on seats for any one concert was $115 including fees on Vivid Seats. Other shows have tickets going for anywhere from $127 to $226 including fees. For more information, our team has everything you need to know and more about Backstreet Boys' 2025 Las Vegas residency below. All prices listed above are subject to fluctuation. Backstreet Boys 2025 Sphere ticket prices A complete calendar including all concert dates, show start times and what the cheapest tickets cost are listed here: Backstreet Boys Sphere dates Ticket prices start at Friday, July 11 8 p.m. $226 (including fees) Saturday, July 12 8 p.m. $211 (including fees) Sunday, July 13 8 p.m. $199 (including fees) Friday, July 18 8 p.m. $193 (including fees) Saturday, July 19 8 p.m. $171 (including fees) Sunday, July 20 8 p.m. $159 (including fees) Friday, July 25 8 p.m. $176 (including fees) Saturday, July 26 8 p.m. $173 (including fees) Sunday, July 27 8 p.m. $152 (including fees) Friday, Aug. 1 8 p.m. $133 (including fees) Saturday, Aug. 2 8 p.m. $138 (including fees) Sunday, Aug. 3 8 p.m. $149 (including fees) Friday, Aug. 8 8 p.m. $130 (including fees) Saturday, Aug. 9 8 p.m. $149 (including fees) Sunday, Aug. 10 8 p.m. $135 (including fees) Friday, Aug. 15 8 p.m. $127 (including fees) Saturday, Aug. 16 8 p.m. $143 (including fees) Sunday, Aug. 17 8 p.m. $115 (including fees) Friday, Aug. 22 8 p.m. $128 (including fees) Saturday, Aug. 23 8 p.m. $136 (including fees) Sunday, Aug. 24 8 p.m. $131 (including fees) (Note: The New York Post confirmed all above prices at the publication time. All prices are in US dollars, subject to fluctuation and, if it isn't noted, will include additional fees at checkout.) Vivid Seats is a verified secondary market ticketing platform, and prices may be higher or lower than face value, depending on demand. They offer a 100% buyer guarantee that states your transaction will be safe and secure and your tickets will be delivered prior to the event. Still curious about Vivid Seats? You can find an article from their team about why the company is legit here. Other 2025 shows at Las Vegas Sphere When Nick Carter and co. aren't lighting up the Sphere stage, many other exciting shows are headed to Vegas' premier entertainment destination. Here's what's up next at the one-of-a-kind venue. Sphere shows 'Postcard From Earth' Runs indefinitely Academy Award-nominated director Darren Aronofsky's ambitious, immersive, globetrotting film. 'V-U2' Runs indefinitely A look back at U2's groundbreaking Sphere residency. 'The Wizard of Oz' Aug. 28 through the foreseeable future Larger-than-life screenings of the iconic film. Insomniac x Tomorrowland: Unity Aug. 29 through Oct. 18 A huge EDM festival with headliners to be announced at a later date. The Eagles Sept. 5 through Nov. 8 The classic rockers take a trip down memory lane and play their greatest hits. If you're planning a Las Vegas trip, you can find a complete calendar of all upcoming events at the Sphere here. Backstreet Boys set list The most recent full set BSB performed went down way back in April 2024 in Cancún, Mexico. That night, the fivesome delivered 31 tracks at the Moon Palace Cancún Resort. Based on our findings at Set List FM, here's what they sang that evening. 01.) 'As Long as You Love Me' 02.) 'In a World Like This' (First time since 2015) 03.) 'Hey Mr DJ (Keep Playing This Song)' (First time since 2014) 04.) 'The Call' 05.) 'Get Another Boyfriend' 06.) 'Nobody but You' (First time since 1998) 07.) 'Poster Girl' (First time since 2005) 08.) 'All I Have to Give' 09.) 'Incomplete' 10.) 'I Still…' (First time since 2012) 11.) 'Everybody (Backstreet's Back)' 12.) '10,000 Promises' (First time since 2015) 13.) 'Don't Wanna Lose You Now' 14.) 'Anywhere for You' (Donde Quieras Yo Ire version, sung in Spanish; first time since 2018) 15.) 'My Heart Stays With You' (First time since 1998) 16.) 'Darlin'' (First time since 2018) 17.) 'More Than That' 18.) 'Time' (First time since 2008) 19.) Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely 20.) 'Drowning' 21.) 'Back to Your Heart' (First time since 2000) 22.) 'Siberia' (First time since 2016) 23.) 'Just Want You to Know' (First time since 2016) 24.) 'Show 'Em (What You're Made Of)' (First time since 2015) 25.) 'Breathe' (First time since 2015) 26.) 'If I Knew Then' (First time since 2014) 27.) 'Permanent Stain' (First time since 2015) 28.) 'That's the Way I Like It' 29.) 'The One' 30.) 'I Want It That Way' 31.) 'If You Want It to Be Good Girl (Get Yourself a Bad Boy)' (First time since 2011) Backstreet Boys new music On Valentine's Day this year, Backstreet Boys released the single 'Hey.' The emotionally charged track was originally written for the band's 2019 album 'DNA' but ultimately didn't fit in with the album. 'We wanted to hold on to it and [then] this announcement happened, it was like, 'Oh my gosh, what better way to present a brand-new song?' So it turned out perfect,' Brian Littrell shared with The Today Show. If you'd like to hear the guys' latest heartbreaking bop, you can find 'Hey' here. Huge acts on tour in 2025 Many hitmakers you know and love will be out and about these next few months. To make sure you're in the loop, here are just five of our favorites you won't want to miss live in the very near future. • Coldplay • New Kids On The Block • Oasis • Maroon 5 • Jonas Brothers Who else is on the road? Take a look at our list of all the biggest artists on tour in 2025 to find the show for you. This article was written by Matt Levy, New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change
Courier-Mail
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Courier-Mail
Star sparks concern with alarming photo
Don't miss out on the headlines from Celebrity Life. Followed categories will be added to My News. Nick Carter's slimmed-down appearance has sparked concern among fans who are worried about his wellbeing. On Wednesday, the singer shared a relaxing selfie via Instagram ahead of practice for the Backstreet Boys' Las Vegas residency at the Sphere. 'Soaking up some Vegas heat before today's rehearsals,' Carter, 45, captioned the photo. Carter appeared in good spirits, wearing a grey hat and a dark red Ford T-shirt. Nick Carter's latest selfie, promoting the Backstreet Boys' upcoming residency in Las Vegas, has sparked fan concern. Fans couldn't help but voice their concerns about his thin frame in the comments section, however, with one writing, 'Sorry to say, but you look a bit too thin to me! … I hope you're okay, @nickcarter! Love you so much!' 'He looks very unhealthy, hope he is okay!' another added, as a third chimed in, 'I'm a [bit] nervous.' 'Maybe he took some Ozempic,' a fourth wrote, to which another snapped back, 'Maybe you should mind your business.' In another photo shared on Thursday with his daughter, Carter also appeared slimmer. Meanwhile, others rushed to Carter's defence, urging critics not to 'comment on other people's bodies.' 'Hey ladies … just like we don't want men commenting on our weight … men don't need to hear your opinions either,' one supporter wrote. '[I] think it's more out of concern … hope he's doing fine mentally and physically,' a second added. A source, meanwhile, told Page Six that Carter is 'not on Ozempic.' Fans immediately commented on the pop star's appearance as he looked like a shadow of his former self. Picture:According to the insider, the pop icon and his bandmates have been rehearsing for their Vegas residency 'for the past two months now' and 'working out non-stop.' 'It's not going to be an easy show,' the source continued, adding that Carter's social media proves that he has slowly slimmed down over the past few months. 'It didn't happen overnight,' they said. Reps for Carter did not immediately respond to Page Six's request for comment. The Backstreet Boys — which also consists of Brian Littrell, AJ McLean, Kevin Richardson and Howie Dorough — will begin their Into The Millennium residency at the Sphere starting July 11. Carter (right) just last month with his Backstreet Boys bandmates (from left to right) AJ McLean, Brian Littrell, Howie Dorough and Kevin Richardson. Picture:They are set to perform 21 concerts before wrapping their final show in late August. Nick's return to the stage comes after the tragic deaths of three of his siblings, Leslie Carter, Aaron Carter and Bobbie Jean Carter, who passed away in 2012, 2022 and 2023, respectively. In November 2023, the I Want It That Way singer admitted he was still grieving his late brother, telling E! News that it 'hurts' not to have made amends before he passed. He also addressed Bobbie Jean's death in January 2024, writing via Instagram that 'it may take a lifetime to fully process the loss [his] family has endured over the years.' Nick was one of five siblings. The family is also survived by Aaron's twin sister, Angel. This article originally appeared in Page Six and was reproduced with permission Originally published as Nick Carter sparks concern with alarming slimmed-down photo: 'Hope he's doing fine'
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GMA Network
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Megan Young and Mikael Daez sing Backstreet Boys song as lullaby for newborn
Megan Young and Mikael Daez are only a week old into their new roles as parents but it seems the Kapuso couple know exactly what to do — with their makeshift knowledge. On Instagram, Mikael posted a video of the two of them soothing their newborn with the Backstreet Boys song "I Want It That Way." Mikael was holding the baby, and Megan was gamely singing and dancing along and when they finished, the new dad told their baby, "that is what you call beautiful singing." "Vintage music," Megan piped in. "You're millennials but forgot all the usual lullabies," Mikael wrote in the video as he added in the caption, "kanya-kanyang diskarte para mapatahan ang baby." According to Mikael, at just a few days, they're just trying to figure out what works for their baby boy. "Instinctively napunta sa BSB bigla ang lullaby repertoire ko, si Bonez papuntang Doechii, sa tingin ko," he added. Megan and Mikael announced the birth of their firstborn last Wednesday. They tied the knot in 2020 in intimate ceremonies and in December 2024, announced they were expecting their first child, a baby boy. — LA, GMA Integrated News
