'Nick Carter looked at me!'
Source: keynoter.com
Backstreet on Duval Street
It's no surprise the Backstreet Boys decided to accept an invitation to play Key West - this Backstreet Boy, Nick Carter, has a house in Marathon. Photos by LARRY BENVENUTI
Coral Shores student sees Backstreet Boys, somehow survives
By Nicole Sullivan
Keynoter Contributor
When I first heard MTV would be coming to Key West to tape, I thought, "You have got to be kidding, it's just some stupid rumor."
But this too-good-to-be-true rumor turned out to be simply true.
On Tuesday, I got to live the dream of every teen-age girl. I stood within 10 feet of all five members of the Backstreet Boys.
The screaming was unbearable at times, but the whole experience was well worth it. Details, you ask? I woke up at 5 a.m., earlier than I get out of bed for school. I must really be a die-hard fan! Naturally, I needed to pick the perfect outfit because, after all, this is the Backstreet Boys we are talking about. My friend Jamie and I (you need a friend for a trip like this) hit the road from Tavernier by 6 a.m., and were in Key West by 9 a.m.
We went straight to the stage, set up at Duval and Greene streets. There, teen-age fans - as well as their mothers - were using every excuse imaginable in an attempt to get past security guards and into the backstage area.
The excuses were all rejected, but sometimes you get lucky. Because I know a certain security guard (who shall remain nameless), we wound up standing right next to the stage.
Soon enough, things started to get off the ground. MTV host Carson Daly began rehearsing for his show, "Total Request Live." I was then informed the Backstreet Boys would be there any minute to begin their rehearsal. I could not believe this was happening. I'd been dreaming about this moment for the longest time. After several unsuccessful attempts to see the group in concert, it was finally going to happen. And I was front and center (literally!) to see it. Things couldn't get any better. There was nothing I could do but sit tight and wait for the Boys' arrival.
Before I knew it, all five of the guys came walking into the backstage area. My friend, armed with a camera, took lots of pictures. I just sat there in shock, most likely with my mouth hanging open. The guys began to rehearse one of their songs. I was gleaming.
During this time, I swear to God, Nick Carter looked at me! The rehearsal lasted a while, and I was there to witness the every move of the Backstreet Boys. The MTV taping was one of the most exciting things that I have ever experienced. I am really glad MTV selected Key West to tape some of their summer shows. It's safe to say that I will be back down there again soon.
But I doubt any of the other times will compare to the Backstreet Boys. And by the way, they are really cute in person.
Student journalist Nicole Sullivan is a junior at Coral Shores High School in Tavernier.
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