The Backstreet Boys have given their thumbs up to their unexpected collaboration with Taylor Swift.
A few days ago, AJ McLean shared a video dancing to a remix by Lydia Getachew (lydgiggs) of the Backstreet Boys’ 1997 classic Everybody (Backstreet’s Back) mashed with Swift’s song Elizabeth Taylor from her new album Life of a Showgirl. Not long after, Nick Carter choreographed a special routine for the mashup, which the band posted on Instagram with the caption, “EVERYBODY’s gotta love this mashup! We know we do @TaylorSwift.”
Swift couldn’t contain her excitement, responding, “OH, THE SQUEAL. I JUST SQUEALT.”
Earlier in the week, the singer had also commented on McLean’s TikTok performance of the mashup, writing, “OH HI AJ OH MY GOD.”
The crossover holds extra meaning since both Everybody and Elizabeth Taylor were produced by Max Martin — the mastermind behind several of Swift’s biggest hits.
Swift has spoken passionately about her inspiration for Elizabeth Taylor, revealing that it came after hearing the late actress’s son compare her to his mother.
“I wanted to tell a story that referenced some of the cool things about her life, but also are parallel to mine,” Swift explained during her Release Party of a Showgirl event. “It’s equally luxurious and feminine, and then goes really hard and really tough in the chorus. It’s one of my favorite songs.”
