Backstreet Boys and Rascal Flatts Collide: ‘Larger Than Life’ Meets ‘Life Is a Highway’ at the ACM Awards

Backstreet Boys
And Rascal Flatts came together as a unified country-pop supergroup to wrap up the event.
2025 ACM Awards
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The two groups stepped onto the stage to perform a selection that featured their fresh take on Rascal Flatts’ 2006 hit, “What Hurts the Most.” This version is set to be part of the country band’s upcoming release.
upcoming project,
Life Is a Highway: Refueled Collaborations
Rascal Flatts also played a portion of their latest single.
“I Dare You”
(before the Backstreet Boys returned to perform their 1999 hit “Larger Than Life,” featuring the Jonas Brothers on recording).

Rascal Flatts wrapped up the crossover event with “Life Is a Highway.” Not only did the Backstreet Boys join in, but the entire audience also sang along to the iconic chorus.

Rascal Flatts will release
Life Is a Highway: Revamped Duet Versions
on June 6. The project features nine artists tasked with reimagining classic releases from the band in celebration of the 25th anniversary of their self-titled debut. The record also features Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Brandon Lake, Ashley Cooke, Jordan Davis, Kelly Clarkson, and more.

The Backstreet Boys have been on a country music roll of late, performing at last month’s Stagecoach Festival in Indio, California, where they were joined by Luke Combs for a
surprise rendition
I Want It That Way

In a statement made in March, Gary LeVox from Rascal Flatts expressed his excitement about collaborating with Backstreet Boys and other musicians on their new duet album. He shared, “Being part of this project alongside these immensely gifted artists has been truly humbling; seeing my peers and buddies reinterpret my tunes so distinctively and exceed all expectations leaves me speechless. This record serves as yet another way we want to express our gratitude to our supporters who have blessed us throughout the last 25 eventful years—thank you for joining us on this wild ride!”

This year’s ACM Awards saw Rascal Flatts receiving a nomination in the Group of the Year category. This marks their first nomination in almost ten years. According to Jay DeMarcus, “After getting used to not being part of it for such a long time, waking up to find out we got nominated felt incredibly refreshing and set an amazing tone for our morning,” as reported elsewhere.
Southern Illinois Now
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“Some might think if you win it, you’ve won it, and that’s past you. But it’s very, very humbling to have those things continue to happen in your career.”