Boy Band Wars: New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys Take Las Vegas

In a notable coincidence, two iconic boy bands are lighting up Las Vegas with separate residencies this summer. New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) kicked off their Vegas run on June 20, 2025, at Dolby Live at Park MGM, while Backstreet Boys (BSB) will begin their shows at the Sphere starting July 11, 2025.

NKOTB celebrates their 40th anniversary since forming in 1985 with 16 shows scheduled throughout summer, winter, and into early 2026. Their performances will span June, July, November 2025, and February 2026. Joey McIntyre joked about the timing overlap with BSB, telling People, “They can take their big fat sphere and stick it up...,” before clarifying it was all in good fun. Donnie Wahlberg dismissed any rivalry rumors, saying, “We love those guys. There's no competition with us.”

Backstreet Boys make history as the first pop group to perform at the Sphere. Howie Dorough called it “a comeback on the next level,” highlighting the venue’s significance. Jonathan Knight teased fans with hints of new performance elements, saying, “Vegas is going to be insane... definitely very different from other shows that we did.”

Videos shared on social media capture exciting moments from the NKOTB show, showcasing the band interacting closely with their fans.

Performing at Park MGM places NKOTB in the company of legends like Celine Dion and Elton John. McIntyre emphasized their connection with fans: “This sounds funny, but we've played prisons... We played for the house that we're playing for and I think we're going to get off on that in a little way.”

Tickets for both residencies sold out quickly, prompting MGM to add extra dates through 2026. Fans can catch BSB at the Sphere until August 24, while NKOTB’s MGM shows continue into next year.

This summer, Las Vegas becomes the ultimate destination for boy band fans eager to experience two generations of pop royalty live on stage.