The Backstreet Boys released single "I Want It That Way" from their second U.S. studio album — third overall — "Millennium" in April 1999, and the music video followed in October of that year.
Just over 22 years later, the music video has crossed the mark for one billion total views on YouTube.
Believe when I say that @backstreetboys’ iconic video for “I Want It That Way” has landed into the #BillionViewsClub How many times have you watched since its release? https://t.co/hjS6dbxjnv pic.twitter.com/qe68dkKF1p
— YouTube Music (@youtubemusic) November 15, 2021
Variety provided context.
"Shot at Los Angeles International Airport, 'I Want It That Way' was uploaded to the platform 10 years after its original release. The video has averaged more than 400,000 daily views in 2021, according to YouTube. The video is one of only a few from the 1990s to surpass 1 billion views on YouTube. The others include Guns N’ Roses “November Rain” (1.76 billion views to date), Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” (1.38 billion views), 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up” (1.19 billion views), The Cranberries’ “Zombie” (1.16 billion views), Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” (1.15 billion views)."
"I Want It That Way" was nominated for best pop vocal performance by a duo or group and record of the year 42nd Grammy Awards. "Millennium" was also nominated for best pop album and album of the year.
The Backstreet Boys are comprised of Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell, AJ McLean and Kevin Richardson. The iconic boy band took to Twitter on Wednesday to reminisce on a different career achievement.
21 years ago today, we boarded our very own BSB #BLACKANDBLUE plane, just 3 days ahead of the official album launch! A 100 hour journey and memories we’ll hold close to our hearts forever… pic.twitter.com/ktRQWR2qCY
— Backstreet Boys (@backstreetboys) November 17, 2021
Watch the "I Want It That Way" video below.
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