You know that horrendous song by KoRn which used to appear daily on the TRL countdown approximately a year ago? Got The Life was it's title, I believe and I am suddenly bombarded with images of that video which, for the record, I used to watch on mute. In more ways than one, this song exemplifies the lives of our precious (infinitely more tame) Backstreet Boys.
I mean, let's face it: the Boys have got THE life. Women of all ages regularly throw themselves at the feet of the fab five member who makes nightly appearances in their dreams; Top drawer designers such as Prada, Armani, Versace, Tommy Hilfiger, and Calvin Klein are consistantly sending samples of their current lines in hopes of the free publicity these prestigeous men offer; Awards from every imaginable industry association grace their careers; and four (count 'em, FOUR) multiplatinum records have been released around the world (not including the different versions of their first American CD which were released in Asia, and a similar one in Canada). I mean, they have got everything! THE LIFE, right? Well, not from where I sit.....
Let's face it, no matter how much we all focus on furthering our various careers, or getting that dream house or fancy sports car we've been lusting over in magazine adds, there's one thing each and every one of us seeks, be it at the beginning of our lifetime or the end: true, unadulterated love. Now, not all of us are lucky enough to be able to claim we've found THE ONE, but we don't seem to stop trying. If the quest for eternal companionship is difficult for we ordinary folk, imagine what it must be like for a Backstreet Boy. I'll give you a moment to visualize.
{...................}
Yeah, uh huh, that's exactly what I thought when pondering the situation. I mean, for run of the mill Hollywood honeys and superstar studs, it's a tough experience. But for the five men who can boast to have won the hearts of millions of females the world over?
What's started me thinking about all of this, you ask? Easy, and I'm more than willing to share: the alleged engagment of Brian to his long time Juliet, Leighanne Wallace. Now, I say 'alleged' because I haven't yet seen the announcement officially, let alone heard it from the horse's mouth himself. Brian and Leighanne's relationship has been the subject for dissent among the fans, and honestly, that makes me wonder how Bri and his lady love feel about standing spotlight as the Boy (and girl) with a serious, longstanding relationship. Moreover, HOW THE HELL DO THEY DO IT?!
I explored the emotions that must accompany such personal liaison through my most recent chapter of "Forever Yours", and received the following observation from a reader:
"......I really never considered before how hard it would be for the Boys to form romantic liaisons across far distances or outside the industry......"
And in truth, dear MANIAcs, neither had I. Now, I'm not sure you can consider Leighanne 'outside the industry', as she is an actress (and that's entertainment related), but I do see how strong a relationship would have to be to withstand that kind of strain. And quite frankly, I wouldn't want to be in their shoes. When you can't even conduct a romantic dinner with your lover without being hounded for autographs or stalked by prepubescent paparazzi, making memories and getting to know your companion is ten times as difficult! One of the most important elements in a relationship is conversation, and that's kind of hard to do when thousands of screaming fans take up much of your man's time. While he travels the world, you're stuck at home or in the office trying not to imagine the many temptations which attack your boyfriend in those foriegn countries where they're so uninhibited. Quality time is often spent in slumber or stupor (a result of the hectic schedules the Boys entertain) and a Boy can't even potty by himself, let along buy a dozen roses without the rumors flying! For all of these reasons, Brian and Leighanne command my utmost respect, be they truly engaged or not. And they're certainly worthy of yours as well!
As for the other four, meeting a nice, normal woman is made difficult by the possibility that she could be succumbing to the charms of your bank account, social life, and designer connections rather than the way your eyes light up when she comes into the room. And if, by chance, one of the Boys DOES meet someone who likes them for who they are as a person (see that song "Leonardo" playing on top 40 stations all over the country for reference), what becomes of the relationship if the woman can't handle the glare of the spotlight?
With so many sharks just waiting to attack the Backstreet fishies, it's no wonder Brian's hanging on to Leighanne.
If and when the engagment is announced, rather than waste my time (and voice) talking the teenies down from the buildings they're bound to want to jump off of, I'm going to send a congratulatory card from the cheap seats to the lovely couple, wishing them all the best in the world.
And then some.
In the mean time, don't be surprised if Brian slips a 'thank you' in there to his fiance during the acceptance speech we know they'll give for snagging a Grammy at the upcoming awards this month. Hey, if you're gonna announce it in style, might as well be to the entire world at large, including your industry peers!
At least then you know there'll be ample security to handle the hordes of suicidal pre teens who are sure to rush the building.
Until next time,
~Jessi
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