You couldn't ask for a better friend than Howie Dorough. That's because he's a Leo, the astrological sign famous for loyal, reliable buddies who would do anything for those they count among their loved ones. As his fellow Backstreet Boys admit, Howie's the guy ost likely to make peace if there's an argument to be found among the fivesome! "Howie's Mr. Mediator," says AJ "Just like, 'C'mon guys, let's be serious, let's be focused.'"
This Leo's loyalty extends to his family - he's super clost to his parents and many siblings. Howie's especially tight with his older sister Pllyanna, whom he credits with encouraging his love of performing. "She got me started when I was seven and she was 11 years old," he explains. "She just tagged me along with her to all the musicals and plays she was in. The very first play I did was The Wizard Of Oz. I was a munchkin. She was 'Glenda, The Good Witch.'"
On stage, this outgoing Loe comes alive. A fabulous dancer, Howie loves to take risks with the cool choreography the Boys are becoming known for. And when he opens his mouth, you just cna't help but get goosebumps from his smooth falsetto voice. However, Howie's talent isn't just limited to music - he's also an actor who appeared in movies like Parenthood and Cop And A Half before he became a full-time member of BsB.
Physically, Howie is a total Loe. His big, brown eyes and full, wavy mane (which recently has gotten pretty long!) fit the characteristics of his sign. And, like most Leos, Howie D is quite the heartthrob! Girls just love his adorable dimple-cheeked smile and long, fluttering eyelashes. Yup, he's quite a charmer!
On the love front, Howie knows how to treat the ladies in his life right. Recalling a particularly romantic date, Howie says, "A while back, vefore I got into the group, I was dating this one girl. It was her birthday, so I asked my parents if I could cook at the house. I cooked a grilled dinner, had a candlelight little thing. We ended up going from there over to the airport, and there's a strip right near the runway where you can watch the planes take off. So we drove over. I had a sunroof and we just watched the planes go by." Sigh...
Another cool Leo trait is Howie's honesty. If this suave sweetie gives a compliment, he means it. On the other hand, he'll also tell you exactly what's on his mind - whether you like it or not. But at least you know that what you see is what you get with this completely fun guy!
A born performer like Brian Littrell is a prime example of a spotlight-loving Pisces. Althought many Pisceans are known for their shy personalities, like Brian, they come to life when asked to entertain. As most fans of this laid-back guy know, he's kind of quiet when he's not singing with Backstreet Boys. But put a microphone in his hand, and he really comes out of his shell! "I grew up in a big Gaptist chruch and ever since I could walk I was singing," he says.
Pisces are naturally drawn to the performing arts and Brian is no exception. He's an incredibly talented singer who lives for music! Just go to a BsB concert or listen to songs like "As Long As You Love Me" and Brian's passion for the music shines through.
People born under the sign of Pisces like Brian are also famous for their good-natured personalities. Ask any BsB fan who's met him, and they'll tell you that he's a super nice guy - not someone on a star ego trip. Brian himself even tells a tale of some fans who took a trip to his house just to catch a glimpse, and his mom ended up going out to breakfast with them! Brian says humbly, "I'm just the lucky one who's having an opportunity like this. When I step off the stage, I'm like anyone else."
Besides being nice, 22-year-old Brian possesses another Pisces trait - he's a total romantic. What does he find attractive in a girl? Someone with "a great personality, (who's) very open, trustworthy, giving and just willing to have fun," he says. and his fellow Backstreet Boys acknowledge that when he does have a girlfriend (he's single now), he's the least likely to cheat on her. We knew we liked him!
But after all, what's not to like about Brian Littrell? He's a sweet, kind and talented Pisces!
Moody and serious are two adjectives sometimes used to describe Kevin Richardson, but they don't tell the whole story about the oldest member of the Backstreet Boys. Like the Libra sign, recognized by it's teetering scales, Kevin is not totally predictable. In fact, like most of his Libra brothers, there are many sides to this dark-haired; handsome guy.
Although Kevin loves being a member of Backstreet Boys and embraces the attention that comes with his position in the group, he's also quiet and reserved. When he's off stage, he's more apt to steer clear of the crowd and work toward keeping BsB organized by using his sharp business sense.
A somewhat stubborn Libra, Kevin won't rest until he's satisfied with the way BsB are presented. Whether it's a tricky dance routine or the arrangement of a song's harmonies, his fellow Boys admit that Kevin doesn't accept anything less than perfection. "He's got a lot of positive aspects, but he lets his perfectionist side get in the way sometimes because he wants things to be too perfect," says cousin Brian. When it comes to the Boys' business matters, Kevin's the guy to ask. he's also an aspiring producer - don't be surprised to see his name on the credits of upcoming BsB albums!
Ever since his days growing up in Kentucky, Kevin's always dreamed about being a singer, although this Libra isn't just in it for the fame. He enjoys making his fans happy, too. "I just want people to like our music. When they flip on the radio and hear one of our songs, hopefully it makes them bop around a little bit and smile and sing along," he says. "That's great. That's what we want."
When it comes to listening for pleasure, Kevin's musical taste is all over the place - such eclectic leanings are another Libra trait! "I've always loved Prince's music," he says. "I like the Eagles, Van Halen, Aerosmith, Elton John, Billy Joel, Boyz II Men, New Edition - I have a really wide variety of musical tastes. I just love music, so it depends on what mood I'm in. I like rap. I like alternative. I like rock and country. I really like it all!"
When it comes to Kevin, anything is possible. Just when you think you've figured him out, he'll totally surprise you!
To say that Nick represents his sign in a major way is an understatement! The water bearer, which is the Aquarius symbol, fits 18-year-old Nickolas Gene Carter perfectly. This is a guy who lives for the sand and surf and can't stand being away from a body of water for too long - he thrives on it!
"A lot of time I go out on the boat alone," he says of his rare moments gliding through the aqua-blue waters of the Everglades. "It's something I need to do - just to get away from it all. To me, the Florida Keys are paradise on Earth." Nick also fishes, water skis and is a certified scuba diver.
Aquarians are known for taking pleasure in shocking people in unpredictable ways - and this funny guy's love for playing practical jokes proves it. "I'm definitely the prankster of the group," he admits. "I like to do anything I can think of to these guys." Giving his manager gum that tastes like fish or instigating a food fight is all in a day's work for Nick.
Physically, Nick is perfectly n Aquarius with his striking blue eyes, straight, silky blond hair, flawless complexion and impressive height (he's over 6' tall). With his gorgeous looks, it's not surprising that so many people fall for him!
This free spirit (another Aquarian trait) also has unconventional tastes. You can't pin him down to one style or one musical fave. He wears and listens to whatever he pleases! One day, Nick might sport an urban look - baggy jeans, a Tommy Hilfiger shirt and top-of-the-line Nike sneakers. That same night, he might look totally alternative decked out in grunge-wear. With Nick, you never know what you might get! The same goes for tunes - from 80s rockers Journey to Nirvana and hip-hop, no genre is off-limits to this open-minded music fan.
There's a magical quality to Nick's personality that makes people gravitate to him. And, just like an Aquarius, Nick also likes to get to know other people. He enjoys meeting all the fans the Backstreet Boys encounter on tour. Though he'd like to be in a relationship one day, this freewheeling Aquarian is content to play the singles game for now. "I know a lot of girls who are just friends - the way I prefer it," he says. "I don't really want to fall in love yet." But the day he does, that girl will be the luckiest girl in the world.
Take one look at AJ McLean and you'll instantly think he's a flaky, free-spirited artist. True, AJ is an artist. True, he's got a mind, style and attitude all his own. But look beneath the surface and you'll see the steady Capricorn within.
When it comes to his career as a Backstreet Boys, there's no fooling around for AJ, who always knew he was destined to be a performer. However, he never envisioned himself making it as a singer - early on, acting was more his scene. Ambitious AJ even had roles in Nickelodeon shows like Welcome Freshmen. "I wanted [that] to be my first career! I wanted to be a dancer or an actor. I never really wanted to be a singer, but it just kind of went that way," he says. His career as an actor and puppeteer aside, AJ became one of the founding members of the now multi-platinum group and it's an honour - and a responsibility - he doesn't take lightly.
Capricorns are known for their innate sense of determination. AJ for his part, has never had a problem following through with his dreams. He's been completely willing to make the necessary sacrifices to move his career along. "I never went to my prom," he recalls. "I never went to high school. I mean, I had to get tutored. I have my ring. I graduated, but I graduated in my hotel room."
Definately the most outrageous Backstreet Boy, this Capricorn is far from wishy-washy. Whether it's his flamboyant dance moves (all the guys agree he's the best dancer), his ultra-funky clothes or his multiple hair changes (have you seen his recent braids?), there's a definite method to his madness. "I'm a big ham and I gotta be out there and doing crazy stuff for no apparent reason, especially on stage," he says.
With his wiry frame (that's where his nickname 'Bone' comes from), dark wavy hair and slightly olive complexion, AJ couldn't look more like a Capricorn! And girls just gravitate to him - it's hard not to! But, this self-professed romantic is waiting for the right time to shower all his affection on the girl of his dreams. "If I were to pick one girl, I'd try to give her as much time and respect as I could," he says. "I'm as old-fashioned as they come."
With everything AJ, who's always had his life planned out, is still surprised at the way things have gone for Backstreet Boys. "Shocked, shocked! I'm more or less shocked at how quick things are moving than I am at what's happening," he explains. "The fact that things are going so quickly is what's blowing my mind. The fast pace of success - it's like, I'm only 20! Slow down and give me a little time to have a life." But don't let him fool you - this career-oriented Capricorn wouldn't have it any other way.
- Tiger Beat
August 1998