‘Of Course, You Want To Be No.1’: *NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, And 98 Degrees Throw Back To Watching TRL, And Millennials Can Relate

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As a 90’s and early 2000’s kid, I can confidently say that if you haven’t watched Paramount+’s Larger Than Life: Reign of the Boybands, you’re missing out on a piece of my childhood! Being a die-hard fan of boy bands back then, Total Request Live was like gold dust for us millennials.

If, like you, you’re a fan of boy bands, then the documentary “Larger Than Life: Reign of the Boybands” on Paramount+ should definitely be on your watch list. Subscribers to Paramount+ will have the chance to re-live the excitement of being a ’90s/’00s fangirl, and take a trip down memory lane with shows like “Total Request Live”, an iconic MTV program from the millennial era. Bands such as *NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, and 98 Degrees also tuned in to “TRL” back then, expressing their desire to be at the top with phrases like “Of course, you want to be No. 1.” As a fellow millennial, I can definitely empathize with this nostalgic feeling.

2008 marked a melancholic moment as MTV ceased airing the beloved show, Total Request Live (TRL). First appearing on screens in 1998, TRL was a staple of afternoon viewing, with fans eagerly waiting to catch their favorite music videos and artists. This program not only showcased the top ten requested videos but also offered glimpses of pop sensations performing live amidst enthusiastic crowds. In the documentary ‘Larger Than Life’ on Paramount+, Nick Lachey of 98 Degrees candidly discusses boy bands placing great importance on their music video rankings, a sentiment I can definitely understand.

If someone claims they didn’t aspire to be at the top spot in the countdown, it’s likely they’re being dishonest. After all, who wouldn’t want to be number one? We made a point to check our position on the countdown daily.

For millennials like me, we eagerly hoped that our beloved boy band would secure the number one position. While it was a contest for these iconic pop music figures, fans also clung to the dream that their favorite music video might get played on TRL.

It’s fair to credit Total Request Live (TRL) for the surge in popularity of boy bands since the internet wasn’t as dominant during its time. Instead, teens kept up with new music releases through MTV’s video countdown, ensuring they didn’t miss a single beat. Sometimes, the rankings on this MTV series were manipulated to boost the exposure of songs like “The Bum Bum Song.” Moreover, music videos served as an effective way to deepen one’s appreciation for their favorite tunes, whether it was due to the captivating choreography of boy bands or the engaging narratives in the videos.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t forget the days when MTV’s Total Request Live (TRL) was more than just a music video countdown – it was a battlefield for my favorite boy bands. The Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean wasn’t shy about revealing how significant this platform was to their rising stardom, acknowledging the crucial role TRL played in their journey to fame.

In every instance, our videos ranked either first or second. Then along came *NSYNC, followed by 98 Degrees, creating a fierce competition between the two groups.

The intense rivalry among boy bands was primarily fueled by the popular show, Total Request Live. Bands such as the Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, and 98 Degrees rose to fame among teenagers due to their memorable music videos and electrifying stage performances on this program. Each group added a distinctive flair to the MTV series, with the Backstreet Boys’ harmonies in “I Want It That Way,” *NSYNC’s energetic performance of “Bye Bye Bye,” and 98 Degrees’ romantic ballads like “I Do (Cherish You)” being standout examples. The competition only served to inspire them, pushing each band to produce even more hit music videos that would help them reach the peak of success.

Back in the day, today’s teens would find it hard to believe how significant TRL (Total Request Live) was for millennials. Before music streaming services, all we could listen to were music videos and radio tracks until a boy band’s CD was officially out in stores. As *NSYNC’s Chris Kirkpatrick put it, TRL held immense value for musicians, serving as a platform that significantly impacted their careers.

Each day after school, our video aired alongside those by the Backstreet Boys and 98 Degrees on national television. It was like asking, “Who will take the top spot today?” This constant competition really amped up the excitement, and TRL acted as the fuel.

Despite TRL’s discontinuation, it doesn’t signify a complete end for musicians striving to reach prominence. Music videos continue to hold importance on social media, streaming platforms, and viral memes. Moreover, social media influencers play a vital role in raising awareness about musicians, whether they share cover songs, try to mimic their dance moves, or express reactions to their music. However, it doesn’t diminish the nostalgia for the days when your favorite music video would appear on television and linger in your mind effortlessly.

Only after you’ve watched the movie “Larger Than Life” do you truly understand the significant role shows like “TRL ” played in a boy band’s success. While the music industry doesn’t necessarily require MTV’s music series for a group to achieve stardom, millennials and pop groups will always remember the impact TRL had on transforming boy bands into the superstars they are today. You can now stream this music documentary through your Paramount+ subscription.

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2024-11-18 21:37