Teen pop singing sensation the Backstreet Boys,
created by local master mind Louis J. Pearlman are
receiving some heat today courtesy of Orlando
press.
The "Boys", who were scheduled to perform at a
local
children's hospital in downtown Orlando yesterday
(May 4) for some 150 youngsters stricken with terminal
illnesses ranging from cancer to AIDS and their
families, no showed. "BSB" as they are affectionately
refereed to by fans were unavailable for comment.
Their publicist Helen Verhien, released this
statement...."Regretably, the 'Boys' were unable to
fulfill this obligation due to a scheduling error.
Kevin, Howie, AJ, Brian and Nick all send their
deepest apologies." Not satisfied with this answer,
one local newspaper reporter decided to look further
into the situation. With some help from friends on the
"inside", she was able to uncover the truth. What she
uncovered was very disturbing.
Kate Mills, senior reporter of the 'Orlando Sun'
discovered that three members of the Backstreet Boys
were on vacation at a secluded resort in Ft.
Lauderdale, FL.
Ms. Mills was able to reach the hotel room of Nick
Carter, the most popular member of the group, when
addressed with her concerns, his comment was this..."I
don't have time for this", and then he hung up. Kate,
who's own sister Deborah died of cancer when she was
11, decided to take matters into her own hands. Again,
contacting some friends in the business, she was able
to save the day. Mills was able to get hold of close
friend Johnny Wright, manager of 'NSYNC who then
contacted 'NSYNC themselves to tell them of the
current days situation.
When 'NSYNC was told of the discouraging news, they
agreed to help. Front man of the group, Justin
Timberlake had this to say..."We as entertainers in
this business are very upset. When you don't have the
time, you MAKE the time. Our fans are what got us
here and they are the ones who will go 'to bat' for
you when no one else will, they are the ones who
believe in you when you don't even believe in
yourself. And to turn your backs on them is down
right disgusting! God blessed each and every one of
us with a special gift, and now it's time to give
just a little bit of that back, to make him proud. We
are very honored and privileged to perform day
after day for our fans. And today hopefully we can
right a wrong that has been done them, by fellow
entertainers. To all our fans, we love you and
appreciate all of you. We can't wait to see you on
tour soon! God Bless".
For only being a meek 19 years old, he sure does
have class. NSYNC, who were putting the finishing
touches on their upcoming world tour when contacted by
Wright, took three hours out of their day to head down
to the Orlando Children's Pediatric Unit Hospital in
downtown Orlando to surprise the children who had
thought they'd been forgotten. These fab five hotties
from Orlando sure do know how to put on a show. They
performed, a capella, 4 songs for the youngsters, the
last of which was a very emotional "God Must Have
Spent A Little More Time On You". How appropriate.
There was not a dry eye in the place.
Afterwards, Justin, JC, Lance, Chris and Joey
signed autographs for all in attendance. They were
the talk of the hospital, it took them almost an hour
to exit the building, after all, they came last minute
and with no security.
Kate Mills was able to get this comment from Chris
Kirkpatrick, the oldest member of the group...."It was
nothing, really, we are happy to do it. Just to see
all the kids smiling was reward enough." Nicely said
Chris, spoken like the true hero 'NSYNC are.
Backstreet Boys, you should be taking notes.
-as told to Kristy Porter, Orlando Times Daily
-Warren Knight