Drake marked his 40th birthday with a celebration at Casa Cipriani in Manhattan on October 23, one day before his actual birthday. The Toronto-born rapper reportedly had his heart set on seeing either Sade or the Backstreet Boys perform. The boy band ultimately fulfilled his wish, joining him onstage to sing their iconic hit I Want It That Way.
AJ McLean spills how the Backstreet Boys made Drake’s 40th birthday wish come true
The Backstreet Boys’ surprise performance at Drake’s New York City birthday party did not happen by chance. AJ McLean, a founding member of the group, revealed that the rapper’s manager reached out to them with a specific request. He said, “His manager hit us up and said Drake only wanted two things for his birthday. Sade to perform or the Backstreet Boys.”
The surprise performance required approval from all the members: Nick Carter, AJ McLean, Kevin Richardson, Brian Littrell, and Howie Dorough. However, McLean wasn’t entirely sure Richardson would be available. His bandmate, he explained, typically shifts into football dad mode when he’s away from the group. McLean, however, had a feeling Richardson would say yes. He joked that Richardson’s two sons, both big Drake fans, would have been “pissed” if their dad had passed up the chance.
McLean poked fun at Richardson for staying close to Drake all night. “Anytime Drake moved anywhere, Kevin was right there,” he said with a laugh, recalling how his bandmate bonded with the birthday boy.
The celebration was anything but low-key, according to TMZ. More than 400 guests joined the festivities, which included luxury giveaways from Chanel and Hermès and a game with a top cash prize of $1 million. The Grammy-winning artist also addressed the crowd. He said, “I wanted to say thank you.” Adding, “Tonight is not about a tour or an album release or a bunch of videos that we shot or a fragrance or a Nike shoe. Tonight is just about being alive, staying alive.”
