The Backstreet Boys acknowledged their longtime collaborator, Max Martin, during a surprise moment at their “Into the Millennium” residency at Sphere Las Vegas. Howie Dorough introduced Martin to the crowd, stating, “He helped us create our legacy and the soundtrack to our lives,” just before the group performed the Millennium track “Don’t Want You Back.”

Kevin Richardson urged the audience to give Martin a standing ovation: “Let him feel the love y’all.”  Martin later shared the moment on his Instagram stories, capturing himself rising and acknowledging the sold‑out audience.

Max Martin, Billboard’s Top Producer of the 21st Century, has collaborated with the Backstreet Boys since their early days—writing and producing their debut single “We’ve Got It Going On” in 1995 and later hits like “I Want It That Way,” “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back),” and “Shape of My Heart.”

Howie also praised another contributor, songwriter Andrew Fromm, who penned Millennium album cuts including “I Need You Tonight” and “Spanish Eyes.” Fromm was present in the audience and Howie dedicated “Spanish Eyes” to him that night.

The appearance occurred on date number 17 of the Boys’ Vegas Sphere residency in celebration of the 25th anniversary of their classic Millennium album. The residency has recently been extended into early 2026 with seven additional shows.