5 Shocking Details About The Backstreet Boys' 'I Want It That Way' 2025 Re-Release And Sphere Residency

The question on every fan's mind this December 12, 2025, is whether the Backstreet Boys have finally recorded a full, modern remake of their iconic 1999 hit, "I Want It That Way." While an entirely new version hasn't been officially announced, the truth is that 2025 is shaping up to be the biggest year for the song since its original release, thanks to a massive 25th-anniversary celebration of the Millennium album that includes a previously unreleased version of the track and a spectacular, immersive concert residency.

The buzz surrounding a "remake" is actually centered on a major commemorative project: the release of Millennium 2.0, a reissued and remastered version of the diamond-certified album that is set to drop on July 11, 2025. This special edition features a track that is arguably the closest thing to a "remake" fans will ever hear—the legendary alternate version of "I Want It That Way," finally receiving an official release after decades of fan speculation. This, paired with their highly-anticipated Las Vegas residency, has completely redefined the song's legacy for a new generation.

Backstreet Boys: The 2025 Profile and 'Millennium' Era Timeline

The Backstreet Boys—comprising members Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson, Howie Dorough, A.J. McLean, and Brian Littrell—remain one of the best-selling boy bands of all time. Their 2025 activity is tightly focused on celebrating the quarter-century milestone of their third studio album, Millennium, which cemented their status as global pop icons. To understand the significance of the 2025 re-release, it’s essential to look at the timeline of the album that started it all.

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• A.J. McLean: (Born 1978) The group's "bad boy" persona; continues to pursue solo projects alongside BSB commitments.
• Howie Dorough: (Born 1973) Known as "Howie D"; focuses on production and real estate ventures; a key figure in the band's harmonies.
• Nick Carter: (Born 1980) The youngest member; remains a central figure in the group's visual and vocal identity.
• Kevin Richardson: (Born 1971) The oldest member; often acts as the group's conscience and creative director.
• Brian Littrell: (Born 1975) Known for his distinctive tenor voice; a founding member and cousin of Kevin Richardson.

The 'Millennium' Milestone Timeline

• May 18, 1999: The Millennium album is officially released, shattering sales records worldwide.
• April 12, 1999: "I Want It That Way" is released as the album's lead single, instantly becoming a global anthem.
• May 17, 2019: The group releases a "reimagined" acoustic version of "I Want It That Way" to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the album.
• July 11, 2025: The official release date for Millennium 2.0, a special reissued and remastered edition of the album.
• July 2025: The "Into the Millennium" residency kicks off at the Sphere in Las Vegas, featuring the band performing the album's hits in an immersive environment.

The 2025 'Remake': Discovering 'I Want It That Way (Alternate Lyrics)'

The closest fans will get to a new version of the song in 2025 is the inclusion of a track officially titled "I Want It That Way (Alternate Lyrics)" on the Millennium 2.0 album. This is a monumental moment for BSB lore, as this version—often referred to by fans as "No Goodbyes"—has been a legendary, unreleased artifact for over two decades.

The existence of this alternate version stems from the original recording sessions. Songwriter Max Martin, the Swedish pop mastermind behind the hit, and his team were reportedly concerned that the original lyrics—"I never wanna hear you say / I want it that way"—were too confusing and grammatically ambiguous.

Why the Alternate Version Exists

The core issue was the lyric's double negative and its ambiguous meaning. Does "I want it that way" mean they want the relationship to end, or they want the love to continue despite the problems? To clarify the intention, an alternate set of lyrics was recorded. This version, which some members have confirmed was part of the original process, features lines that are more straightforward about a breakup, hence the fan-given name "No Goodbyes."

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The fact that Sony Legacy and the band have chosen to officially release this alternate take on Millennium 2.0 is a huge win for topical authority, giving fans an unprecedented look into the creative process of one of the biggest pop songs ever recorded. It is, in essence, the definitive "director's cut" of the song.

The 'Into the Millennium' Sphere Residency: A 2025 Performance Upgrade

Coinciding perfectly with the Millennium 2.0 re-release on July 11, 2025, the Backstreet Boys are launching their "Into the Millennium" residency at the state-of-the-art Sphere venue in Las Vegas. This residency is a crucial part of the 2025 celebration and offers a performance-based "remake" of the entire era.

The Sphere is known for its immersive, high-resolution LED screen that wraps around the audience, creating a 360-degree visual experience. For a song as iconic as "I Want It That Way," this means the performance will be a completely new, visually upgraded experience. Fans can expect:

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• Immersive Visuals: New, hyper-detailed graphics and animations designed to complement the song's themes.
• Remastered Audio: The Sphere’s advanced sound system will deliver the remastered Millennium 2.0 audio quality, allowing fans to hear the classic track with unprecedented clarity.
• Setlist Focus: The residency's title, "Into the Millennium," confirms that the setlist will heavily feature tracks from the album, with "I Want It That Way" as the undisputed centerpiece.

This residency, initially spanning nine shows in July 2025, with additional dates added into 2026, serves as the ultimate live tribute to the album, transforming the experience of hearing the song from a simple concert performance into a technological spectacle.

Topical Authority: Why The Original 'I Want It That Way' Remains Untouchable

While the excitement for the "Alternate Lyrics" version and the Sphere residency is palpable, the original 1999 recording of "I Want It That Way" remains a masterclass in pop music production and is likely why the band has avoided a full, modern remake. The song’s success is a testament to the genius of its producer, Max Martin, and the vocal chemistry of the five members.

The Max Martin Formula

Max Martin, a name synonymous with late-90s and early-2000s pop dominance, is responsible for the song's intricate "melodic math." The song is structured perfectly, building tension in the verses and releasing it in the instantly recognizable, powerful chorus. The key to its longevity lies in:

1. Vocal Arrangement: The seamless transition between the lead vocals of Nick Carter, Brian Littrell, and A.J. McLean, backed by the rich harmonies of Howie Dorough and Kevin Richardson.
2. The Ambiguity: Ironically, the "confusing" lyrics that prompted the alternate version are what made the song so compelling. The ambiguity allowed listeners to project their own emotional relationship drama onto the track, ensuring its universal appeal.
3. Timeless Production: The song’s blend of pop, R&B, and soft rock elements has ensured it doesn't sound dated, a hallmark of Martin's production style.

The 2019 "reimagined" version was a softer, acoustic take, proving that the melody and lyrics hold up even without the full pop production. The 2025 focus on the "Alternate Lyrics" version further proves that the band is interested in exploring the song's history and variations rather than replacing the original with a new recording.

The Future: New Music and The Legacy of the Millennium Era

Beyond the 25th-anniversary celebrations, the Backstreet Boys are not slowing down. Rumors have circulated that the group has already recorded several new songs for a potential new album, which could follow the massive 2025 events. This indicates that the Millennium 2.0 release and the Sphere residency are not a final curtain call, but a springboard for their next phase.

The legacy of "I Want It That Way" is secure. While a full, studio-recorded "remake" for 2025 may not be happening, fans have received something much better: a deep dive into the song's history with the official release of the "Alternate Lyrics" version, a remastered audio experience, and a visually stunning, technologically advanced residency that reinterprets the song for a modern audience. The Millennium era is officially back, and it's bigger and more detailed than ever before.