Photos and Review by Rebecca Clark
The New York State Fair has always been known for bringing top-tier talent to its stages, and this year was no exception. On Wednesday, August 21st, the Suburban Park stage was set ablaze with 90s boy band magic as Joey Fatone of *NSYNC and AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys teamed up for “A Legendary Night.” The result was nothing short of epic—a nostalgic journey that lived up to its name and then some.
Kicking off their set with *NSYNC’s electrifying hit “Pop” and the classic “I Want You Back,” the duo immediately commanded the stage, their energy was on fire and their stage presence impeccable. The crowd was then treated to Backstreet Boys’ anthem “Larger Than Life,” setting the tone for a night that would seamlessly blend the greatest hits of both iconic bands.
The chemistry between Fatone and McLean was “Larger Than Life,” and their setlist was a perfect fusion of *NSYNC and Backstreet Boys tracks, leaving no fan disappointed. For those who grew up loving both groups, it was a dream come true—a boy band mash-up that felt like it was crafted in pop heaven.
Beyond the nostalgic hits, their live band added a whole new dimension to the performance. The musicians brought a jazzy undertone to certain moments, and when AJ and Joey bowed down to their guitarist during a solo, it was clear that they had a deep respect for the talent around them. The live instrumentation provided a fresh take on familiar songs, elevating the entire experience.
In a surprising twist, they also included covers of other artists, including a lively rendition of Naked Eyes’ “Always Something There to Remind Me,” which added even more variety to the night. Later in the set, AJ McLean took the spotlight to showcase his solo material, including his latest single “Electric,” proving that his talent extends far beyond his boy band roots.
The energy between McLean and Fatone was epic, their brotherhood shining through every moment of the show. It was clear that these two have something special going on with this tour, making it a must-see for any fan of 90s pop. If you’ve ever belted out a Backstreet Boys or *NSYNC hit in your teenage years, do yourself a favor and catch this legendary pairing in action. You won’t regret it.
Joey Fatone and AJ McLean Photo Gallery