If there are any musical memories of our 90s childhoods left, pop boy bands are undoubtedly one of them. A pop cultural phenomenon, no girl under the age of 25 was lacking a favorite band member (Most guys, on the other hand, debated whether or not groups of all singers should even be called a ‘band'). Starting in 1984 with the creation of New Kids on the Block, followed by The Backstreet Boys, shortly after *NSYNC and 98 degrees, as well as Boys II Men, Dream Street, B2k, and more. The cultural craze rivaling Beatle mania swept through the United States, Europe and Asia.
Nearly 20 years later, after many break ups, reunions, attempted solo careers and members leaving, which pop stars made the best of their fame and which have disappeared forever into obscurity? Starring rival favorites, The Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC, it's up to you to decide which band members are doing well or failing miserably.
The Backstreet Boys – After a four year hiatus from 2002-2006, released "Never Gone" before Kevin Richardson, now married with a daughter, left the band. Since then, they have released two more albums in 2007 and 2009. The now four Backstreet Boys will be touring with the five remaining members of New Kids on the Block this summer.
Nick Carter — Carter remained with the band's management company, The Firm, after the band left the company in 2002. In 2002 he was named Cosmogirl's "Sexiest Man in the World" (beating Justin Timberlake). His solo album "Now or Never" reached No. 17 on the Billboard Top 200. His second solo album was aborted when The Backstreet Boys returned to the studio. He starred in "House of Carters," a reality television show on E!, that lasted one season.
A.J McLean — McLean went to rehabilitation for drug and alcohol addiction in 2001 and again in 2002 after an intervention lead by fellow band member Kevin Richardson. He performed in a solo tour in 2008, and his newest album "Have It All" is to be released in the United States on February 8. He is engaged, with a wedding date of May 14.
Brian Littrell – Littrell decided to become a contemporary Christian singer, releasing "In Christ Alone" from his "Welcome Home" album in 2006. His second Christian album is set to be released in 2011 after The Backstreet Boys "This Is It" tour.
Howie Dorough – Has worked as a producer to singer/songwriters, guest starred in an episode of "Sabrina The Teenage Witch," and voiced starred as Santa Claus in the "Dora the Explorer" Christmas episode.
N*SYNC – Also went on hiatus in 2002. N*SYNC never released another new album as a band. Their greatest hits album was released in 2005.
Justin Timberlake – Timberlake released his debut album "Justified" in November of 2002. He co-headlined the Justified/Stripped Tour with Christina Aguilera in 2003 and is notoriously known for the Janet Jackson Super Bowl controversy from 2004. His "FutureSex/LoveSounds" album, known for the single "Sexy Back," was released in 2006. He collaborated with numerous artists including Madonna, 50 Cent and Lil' Wayne. He has been pursuing acting since 2000, including the role of Sean Parker in the Academy Award and Golden Globe nominated film "The Social Network."
JC Chasez - Released his debut solo album "Schizophrenic" in 2004. Chasez was dropped from the 2004 Pro Bowl performance as the NFL was concerned with the lyrics of the first single off the album. In addition to his work as a singer/songwriter and record producer, he appears as a judge on "Randy Jackson Presents: America's Best Dance Crew," whose 6th season has yet to be announced.
Chris Kilpatrick – Participated in CMT's reality show "Gone Country," a competition in which the winner gets a country single produced by John Rich. Kilpatrick did not win.
Joey Fatone – Did voice work with Lance Bass in an episode of "Kim Possible" on the Disney Channel, made a guest appearance on "Hannah Montana," participated in season 4 of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars," has been a voice actor for multiple episodes of "Robot Chicken" on Adult Swim, hosted "The Singing Bee" on NBC and has been on Broadway, performing in lead roles of "Rent" and a revival of "Little Shop of Horrors."
Lance Bass – Formed music management company Free Lance Entertainment in 2000. Bass has voiced characters both on Disney Channel and in the video game "Kingdom Hearts." Bass entered cosmonaut training in Russia in 2002, received certification to fly and was scheduled to star in a documentary. The original documentary deal fell through; he was rejected from the program and replaced. He performed in the Broadway musical "Hairspray" in 2007 and released an autobiography entitled "Out of Sync."
