pop stars all grown up
While a fair share of one-hit wonder teen pop stars were produced in the 90s, there also was a handful of successful artists that have since grown up and now boast full-fledged careers. Through one half of 2013, reunions, comebacks, and the like have been a popular theme thus far for several teen pop stars, so read about what they’ve been up and where they’ll be headed as the summer concert season unfolds.
Boyz II Men, 98 Degrees, and New Kids on the Block Join Forces for Summer Tour
If you are itching for a taste of 90s pop music, you’re in luck, because 98 Degrees, New Kids on the Block, and Boyz II Men will be hitting the road together throughout the summer on The Package Tour. 98 Degrees reunited in 2012 and dropped a reunion album, “2.0” on May 7 of this year. Touring counterparts, New Kids on the Block, released “10” earlier this year as well, and though Boyz II Men hasn’t released a new album since 2011, the group is scheduled to begin a residency at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas after the aforementioned summer tour.
Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera Still Rock
The ladies have still been holding down the scene as well. Britney Spears, especially, has shown she’s not the reserved little girl that used to romp around in mouse ears as one of Disney’s Mouseketeers. After years of success and ups-and-downs, the “Toxic” and “Oops!... I Did it Again” singer is gearing up for a residency at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas beginning in the fall. Christina Aguilera has also continued a career in music, releasing her seventh studio album, “Lotus,” in 2012, and has seen her stock rise as a judge on NBC’s “The Voice.”
Hanson Brothers Stick Together
Not much has changed about boy band heartthrobs Hanson since the fast start as teenagers in 1992—even the lengthy locks look familiar. But their voices have matured, their musical style has been chiseled to perfection, and now the boys are set to release a new album, “Anthem,” on June 18, followed by a nationwide tour. Watch the 2012 version of Hanson sing an acoustic rendition of the band’s ever-popular, “MMMBop” in the clip below.
Justin Timberlake Returns to the Music Scene
Any teen in the 90s was well aware of pop sensations, ‘N Sync and Backstreet Boys. Though ‘N Sync essentially disbanded in 2002, the group spawned a star in Justin Timberlake, whose solo career took off with early hits like “Cry Me a River” and “Rock Your Body.” After a rather lengthy hiatus from recording music, he stormed back in 2013 with the hit single, “Suit & Tie,” off the first part of the “The 20/20 Experience.” Timberlake will be taking his talents to venues across the country when he hits the road for a stadium tour this summer with Jay-Z, and solo venture set to follow in the fall and into 2014.
Backstreet Boys and Jesse McCartney Team Up for Tour
Unlike ‘N Sync, the Backstreet Boys are back (yes, all five members), and they will be touring as a group throughout the summer months. In addition to the touring stint, which will span from the beginning of August to the end of October, the Backstreet Boys are also in the studio working on a new album. Set to come along for the ride is Dream Street’s Jesse McCartney, who emerged as a successful solo artist with hits like “Shake” and “Body Language.” His fourth studio album is already finished but label issues are delaying its release, although it should be out by the end of the year.