So we’re at the point where I’ve talked about how much I love Backstreet Boys’ fans, and went over the concert, which really, was great other than some of the graphics. Right now, I’d like to talk more at length about the experience over at The Venetian because, for me, that was a little more on the lackluster side. It wasn’t Willy Wonka experience bad, but it also could’ve just been better in my opinion as someone who has a detail-oriented fangirl mindset. So let’s get into a handful of ways I would’ve upgraded this as a whole.
TRL Redo
When I heard they were recreating the ‘TRL’ studio, I almost cried. That’s a favorite show of mine and integral to being a BSB fan back in the day. So…it was there. Was it a recreation? It was more like a concept of a recreation. The cardboard stand ups of the guys…Howie wasn’t even in the same outfit he wore when they were on ‘TRL’ the day ‘Millennium’ dropped, and the “studio” looked more like ‘Total Request’ when Carson Daly was alone in the MTV basement, rather than the vibrant ‘TRL’ studio we all know and love. I would’ve had someone recreate the actual screens the studio had when it initially premiered, had footage from that day playing, along with videos on those screens, and not generic ones. I also would’ve loved the ‘TRL’ photobooth. BSB made MTV enough money to have gotten it or been able to get the rights to use a similar one if it was a legality thing.
Fan Bedroom Recreation
N’SYNC had a similar kind of experience when they got their star on the Walk of Fame, and with it came a photo-op in a recreation of a typical fan’s bedroom from that time. This, for me, was the biggest missed opportunity here. BSB has had more than enough posters and merch to where they could’ve easily pulled this off, but didn’t.
More Ensembles on Display
2-3 outfits when there are five members is interesting.
At Least One Music Video Photo-Op
If they wanted to stay on theme, why not a photo-op that placed you in the middle of the chaos with all the screaming fans from “I Want It That Way,” or…the rooms from “I’ll Never Break Your Heart,” or if space wasn’t an issue, the ballroom from “Everybody.” I just feel like this was another way they could have enhanced this whole idea.
Merch Prices
I’ll always question a $55 crop top.
Additional Throwback Merch Options
So getting the licensing to sell old items or even to make them is likely a headache. I get that. However, could BSB used to have these, like packs of photo cards, and I think selling those with their new photoshoots for ‘Millennium’ would’ve been a way to intertwine the new and old via merch. They did have postcards with each guy on them, but fans were told one per person – and let’s just say some were taking more than their fair share. Those postcards should’ve been an extra bonus after you bought merch. Like, here’s your receipt, now for an extra treat – pick your fav member and have a nice day!
The Chandelier Decor
How are you going to make this chandelier of sorts using CDs and not use BSB ones?
Burger King, Where You At?
Burger King not being an official sponsor…wild.
Album Cover Differently
I think the album cover photo-op was cute, but the way it was set up was a little too big and made for an elongated picture. Just thinking from a social media perspective, they should have scaled it down so that it could’ve been more square, like a CD cover, and not rectangular.
The Jewelry Portion
They had this permanent jewelry booth, but honestly, it could’ve been more fun to just be a station where you make your own friendship bracelets for no more than, like $10.
Crushgasm 
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