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The Ultimate 90s Boy Band Battle: Where Are Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, And 10+ More Icons Now (2025 Update)

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The 90s boy band phenomenon was more than just music; it was a cultural movement defined by synchronized dancing, frosted tips, and power ballads that soundtracked a generation. Today, December 23, 2025, the music industry is witnessing a massive resurgence of this iconic era, with nearly every major group announcing new music, major tours, or long-term residencies extending well into 2026.

From the fierce rivalry of the Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC to the transatlantic success of Take That and Boyzone, these vocal groups have proven their staying power. Forget nostalgia—this is a genuine, multi-million dollar comeback, with groups like New Kids on the Block and 98 Degrees releasing fresh albums and the biggest acts securing unprecedented Las Vegas deals. Here is a definitive, up-to-the-minute look at what the biggest boy bands of the 90s are doing now.

The Titans of Teen Pop: Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, and NKOTB Profiles

The American boy band landscape of the 1990s was dominated by three key groups, each with a distinct style and fan base. Their current activities prove they are not just resting on their laurels, but actively shaping the future of pop nostalgia.

Backstreet Boys (BSB)

  • Members: Nick Carter (b. 1980), Howie Dorough (b. 1973), AJ McLean (b. 1978), Brian Littrell (b. 1975), and Kevin Richardson (b. 1971).
  • Formed: 1993, Orlando, Florida.
  • Signature Hits: "I Want It That Way," "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)," "Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)."
  • Current Status (2025 Update): The group is one of the most active, having announced their highly anticipated Summer 2025 Residency, “Into The Millennium,” as the first pop act to play the Sphere in Las Vegas, NV. They are also scheduled to release a new project titled Millennium 2.0 on July 11, 2025, celebrating and reimagining their biggest era.

*NSYNC

  • Members: Justin Timberlake (b. 1981), JC Chasez (b. 1976), Joey Fatone (b. 1977), Lance Bass (b. 1979), and Chris Kirkpatrick (b. 1971).
  • Formed: 1995, Orlando, Florida.
  • Signature Hits: "Bye Bye Bye," "It's Gonna Be Me," "Tearin' Up My Heart."
  • Current Status (2025 Update): After a long hiatus, the group officially reunited to release "Better Place," their first new song in 23 years, for the film Trolls Band Together. Following this success, there are strong reports that the band is in talks for a full-scale 30th-anniversary reunion tour and new music development in 2025/2026, though Justin Timberlake's solo schedule remains a factor.

New Kids on the Block (NKOTB)

  • Members: Donnie Wahlberg (b. 1969), Joey McIntyre (b. 1972), Jordan Knight (b. 1970), Jonathan Knight-Rodriguez (b. 1968), and Danny Wood (b. 1969).
  • Formed: 1984, Boston, Massachusetts (though their peak was late 80s/early 90s).
  • Signature Hits: "Step by Step," "You Got It (The Right Stuff)," "Hangin' Tough."
  • Current Status (2025 Update): NKOTB remains one of the hardest-working groups. They recently released Full Circle, their first new studio album in 11 years, and are celebrating the 35th anniversary of their blockbuster album *Step by Step* with a new expanded edition. Their Las Vegas residency, "The Right Stuff" at Dolby Live at Park MGM, has been extended through October 2026.

The R&B Kings and Transatlantic Chart-Toppers

While the American pop groups dominated the headlines, the 90s also featured the undeniable R&B harmonies of Boyz II Men and the powerful chart presence of British and Irish groups like Take That and Boyzone. These groups established the global blueprint for boy band success.

Boyz II Men: The Vocal Legends

Known for their intricate harmonies and emotional ballads like "End of the Road" and "I'll Make Love to You," Boyz II Men are the undisputed kings of 90s R&B. The trio, consisting of Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, and Shawn Stockman, continues to tour extensively. They have an active summer and fall 2024 North American tour schedule and have secured a long-running Las Vegas residency at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan, with dates scheduled through August 2025, cementing their status as a live music powerhouse.

Take That: The European Phenomenon

The UK's biggest boy band, Take That (originally Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Mark Owen, Jason Orange, and Robbie Williams), defined the early 90s across Europe. After multiple breakups and reunions, the group currently operates as a trio (Barlow, Donald, and Owen). In a major announcement, the group confirmed they are working on their tenth studio album and are reviving their iconic "The Circus Live Tour" for a major stadium run in 2026, promising a show that is "bigger, bolder, and braver" than ever.

Boyzone: The Irish Heartthrobs

The Irish vocal group Boyzone, featuring Ronan Keating, Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham, Shane Lynch, and the late Stephen Gately, were responsible for hits like "No Matter What" and "Picture of You." Though they completed a farewell tour in 2019, the demand for the group remains high. Following the success of a documentary series, the remaining members have been discussing a potential reunion tour, with a one-off stadium concert reportedly planned for 2026 in London.

The Pop-Rock Hybrids and Underrated Balladeers

The 90s boy band scene was also surprisingly diverse, featuring groups that blended pop with rock instruments and others who stuck purely to the smooth, soulful ballad format, ensuring a wide appeal across different demographics.

98 Degrees: The Harmony Group

Comprising Nick Lachey, Drew Lachey, Jeff Timmons, and Justin Jeffre, 98 Degrees stood out for their soulful, R&B-influenced harmonies, a contrast to the heavily choreographed pop groups. The band is making a significant push in the 2024-2025 season. They have announced a Fall 2024 tour and a new record label partnership. Most notably, their new album, also titled Full Circle, is set for release in January 2025 and will feature re-recorded classics and fresh tracks, inspired in part by the trend of re-recording older music.

Hanson: The Brothers with Guitars

The pop-rock trio of brothers (Isaac, Taylor, and Zac Hanson) broke the mold by playing their own instruments and writing their own songs. Their 1997 smash hit "MMMBop" remains an era defining track. Unlike many of their peers, Hanson never truly stopped. They continue to release new material and tour consistently, recently releasing the album Underneath: Complete in October 2024 and maintaining a busy international tour schedule throughout 2025.

All-4-One: The Ballad Specialists

All-4-One, a Grammy-winning R&B quartet (Tony Borowiak, Jamie Jones, Delious Kennedy, and Alfred Nevarez), is best known for their massive hits "I Swear" and "So Much in Love." The group remains active on the touring circuit, frequently performing on the popular "I Love The 90s Tour" circuit and headlining their own dates, with a robust schedule of concerts planned for 2025.

Five (5ive): The Edgy British Rappers

The British group Five (Scott Robinson, Ritchie Neville, Sean Conlon, J Brown, and Abz Love) injected a much-needed dose of hip-hop and rap into the boy band formula with hits like "Slam Dunk (Da Funk)" and "Keep On Movin'." In one of the most exciting reunion announcements, the band is set to embark on the Keep On Movin' Tour in late 2025. This tour is particularly significant as it is the first time all five original members will share the stage together in 25 years.

The Enduring Legacy of the 90s Boy Band

The sheer volume of new music and tour announcements from the biggest 90s boy bands in late 2024 and 2025 proves that their cultural impact is far from over. These groups, once dismissed as a passing trend, have evolved into enduring entertainment franchises.

From the high-tech spectacle of the Backstreet Boys' Sphere residency to the emotional significance of the *NSYNC reunion talks and the consistent output of NKOTB, the current era is defined by a deep appreciation for the music, the harmonies, and the nostalgia. The blend of classic hits and new albums like Full Circle from both NKOTB and 98 Degrees ensures that the 90s boy band sound is not just a memory, but a vibrant, evolving part of the contemporary pop landscape. Fans, known as Blockheads, Backstreet Army, and Pop-Heads, are eagerly anticipating what the next few years will bring.

The Ultimate 90s Boy Band Battle: Where Are Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, and 10+ More Icons Now (2025 Update)
boy bands of the 90s
boy bands of the 90s

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