Pop music bubblegum kings have a history that traces back to the 80s when groups like the New Kids on the Block, and New Edition became rather popular with audiences. In essence, these were the first boy bands to hit the scene. The term didnt quite catch on until pop music of the 90s became saturated with numerous male groups, such as the Backstreet Boys, NSYNC and MTVs own, O-Town. Today, while pop princesses dictate the airwaves, it brings one to ponder, where have all the American bubblegum pop music kings gone?



Backstreet Boys

You may not know this, but the pop music sensation in the 90s, the Backstreet Boys, are still alive and kicking and planning the release of a new album. The group, minus Kevin Richardson, has made a transition from their teen pop roots to more of a pop rock group. They now play their own instruments to supply their background music.

Through the middle of the 90s and 2000s, the Backstreet Boys enjoyed raging success across the world, provoking teenage girls to swoon at the very mention of their names. In the era of boy bands, they still hold the title of selling more albums than any other collaboration. Sadly, throughout the years, many of the group members have experienced personal ups and downs.

In 2001, member, AJ McLean, who had always been viewed as the bad boy of the quintet, became increasingly destructive. It was apparent that he was struggling with a few issues in his life, namely alcohol and drugs. In 2003, McLean made an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show with his mother. It was then that fellow group members arrived on air to show their support for him. They hadnt been together for about two years before this reunion.

Member Nick Carter gained brief attention for dating the infamous Paris Hilton for about a year. That ended in 2004 and all he got was a lousy Paris tattoo out of the deal, which he promptly exchanged for a skull and cross bones. In May of 2006, member, Brian Littrell released his first solo project, Welcome Home, which made a respected showing on the Billboard Christian Charts.

NSYNC

Feverishly trying to catch up with the popular Backstreet Boys, NSYNC enjoyed an admirable amount of success with numerous pop music hits. Shifting from teen pop to dance pop, the group had a nice run from 1995 to 2002. As of now, only two of the five original band members have produced solo albums: JC Chasez and the unforgettable Justin Timberlake. Additional group members included: Lance Bass, Joey Fatone and Chris Kirkpatrick.

As of now, Joey Fatone has made a showing in numerous movie projects (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), in some of which he has worked with Lance Bass, who spends most of his time dealing with his film production company projects. Recently, he has admitted to his homosexual lifestyle and, currently, is even dating a former Survivor cast member. Kirkpatrick on the other hand has joined another band and has been playing live shows in California.

98 Degrees

Although Nick Lachey is better known for being the former husband of Jessica Simpson, he was first recognized as a member of the pop music boy band, 98 Degrees, along with his brother, Drew, Jeff Timmons and Justin Jeffre. The group emerged on the scene in 1997, dabbling in pop, R&B and bubblegum pop. To date, the only solo projects produced by members of 98 Degrees have come from Nick Lachey (2003 and 2006) and Jeff Timmons (2004).

The group has been relatively quiet in terms of mainstream recognition, but a new album is in the works with brand new material to enjoy. Unlike other pop music groups, they intend to stick with what worked for them in the past.