A famous 90s pop song almost had alternate lyrics.

AJ McLean, Nick Carter, Brian Littrell, Kevin Richardson, and Howie Dorough came together in 1993 to form the Backstreet Boys. After releasing their debut album a few years later, the group had some success with songs like Quit Playin' Games and As Long As You Love Me. However, it was not until 1999 when they released their hit single I Want It That Way that they truly became superstars all over the world.

In a recent documentary, Larger Than Life: Reign of the Boybands, AJ McLean revealed that the Backstreet Boys' biggest song almost had different lyrics. Music executives were initially hesitant about the catchy track, questioning whether the lyrics even made sense. They suggested changing the words to "I love it when I hear you say I want it that way," but the group stuck to their guns and convinced the bosses to trust their instincts.

Their decision paid off as I Want It That Way became an instant hit and reached three times platinum status in both the US and the UK. However, with their massive success came strict rules that the Backstreet Boys, along with other boybands, had to follow. They were constantly reminded of their "family audience" and were given examples of how other bands, like New Kids on the Block, had gone wrong.

One of the NSYNC members, Lance Bass, explained that they were told not to do certain things, using New Kids' Donnie Wahlberg as an example. Their bandmate, Chris Kirkpatrick, joked that some of the rules were pretty crazy, including no tattoos, no girlfriends, no motorcycles, and even instructions on how to shave and manage their weight. As AJ put it, "We can't be Fatstreet. That is not cute."

Despite the challenges, the Backstreet Boys and other boybands were determined to stay true to themselves and their music. They believed in their own instincts and choices, and it ultimately paid off. I Want It That Way remains one of their most beloved and iconic songs, and the group continues to be successful to this day.

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