The Backstreet Boys' former manager, Johnny Wright, has revealed a shocking strategy that fueled the intense rivalry between the boy bands 'NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Wright, a veteran manager known for his work with Britney Spears, Janet Jackson, and Justin Timberlake, among others, admitted to actively undermining the Backstreet Boys to boost 'NSYNC's success. This revelation sheds light on the cutthroat nature of the music industry and the lengths some managers will go to for their clients' success.
In an interview for the Investigation Discovery docuseries 'Boy Band Confidential', Wright explained his decision to work against the Backstreet Boys, stating, 'I told them, 'OK, if I’m not working with you and them, then I have a responsibility to make them the biggest group in the world. And that means I’m going to turn all my guns against you to make them bigger.'" This statement reveals a calculated and aggressive approach to managing the band's success.
Wright's tactics included booking 'NSYNC for stadium tour dates just weeks before the Backstreet Boys wanted to perform in the same venues, causing the Backstreet Boys to cancel their stadium tour and settle for smaller arenas. He also highlighted his success in outmaneuvering the Backstreet Boys at events like the American Music Awards, where 'NSYNC was substituted for the Backstreet Boys.
The docuseries also explores the impact of Lou Pearlman, the businessman behind the initial success of both bands. Pearlman was accused of fraud and misrepresentation, as he allegedly pocketed millions while the band members received minimal compensation. This led to legal battles and a strain on the relationships between the artists and their manager.
The series provides a behind-the-scenes look at the boy band boom, featuring interviews with members of 'NSYNC, the Backstreet Boys, 98 Degrees, and Boyz II Men. It highlights the challenges and pressures faced by these artists during their rise to fame, including the constant need to compete and the presence of those looking to tear them down.
This revelation from Wright adds a new layer of complexity to the rivalry between the two boy bands, showcasing the intense competition and the lengths some industry players were willing to go to gain an edge. It also underscores the importance of ethical management practices in the music industry, where the success of artists should be the primary focus.
