The Backstreet Boys have teamed up with Rascal Flatts for a brand-new rendition of the emotional ballad “What Hurts the Most,” and honestly? This collaboration is straight out of my early 2000s dreams. The song, originally recorded by country artist Mark Wills in 2003, was first brought into the mainstream spotlight by Rascal Flatts in 2006. But did you know the Backstreet Boys almost got to it first?
That’s right—“What Hurts the Most” was on the table during the making of the Backstreet Boys’ Never Gone album. Imagine how different things could’ve been if they had recorded it back then. Fast forward nearly two decades, and we finally get a mashup of two iconic groups who have defined entire fanbases—and they did not disappoint.
As someone who’s been a Rascal Flatts fan since their debut single (and has had the pleasure of meeting them multiple times), this collaboration feels extra special. In fact, Rascal Flatts were originally marketed as a “country boy band,” drawing early comparisons to BSB and NSYNC before they shifted toward a more traditional country image with their second album. To see them come full circle and join forces with the ultimate boy band? Total full-body chills.
Let’s talk about the song itself. The new version has a rockier edge than the Rascal Flatts original—less twang, more punch. It’s modern, emotional, and beautifully produced. Gary LeVox’s soaring vocals paired with Nick Carter’s smooth tone in the second verse? Pure bliss. When Nick hits the line about the smile, it’s so good it could make you slap your mama (yes, I said what I said). And I swear I hear Joe Don Rooney backing up AJ at one point, which adds even more texture to the track. The harmonies after the bridge, when all eight voices come together, are downright cinematic. It’s the kind of moment fangirls dream about.
Now, let me get into something that may ruffle a few feathers—and that’s okay. While I love this version, I do have thoughts about Brian Littrell opening the song. Personally, I think Gary should’ve kicked things off with that powerful first verse, with Backstreet Boys taking the second. That structure worked well in Rascal Flatts’ recent collab with the Jonas Brothers and feels like it would’ve been a more natural balance here.
And then there’s the elephant in the room—Brian’s vocals. We all know he’s had some challenges in recent years, and while he sounds great on the recorded version, I can’t help but be concerned about the upcoming live performance at the Academy of Country Music Awards. His set at Stagecoach didn’t exactly ease those concerns. Starting the song puts him in a vulnerable spot, and if his voice isn’t at 100%, I fear it could lead to unnecessary criticism—not just of him, but of the group as a whole. I say this with love, because I want him to prove me wrong. I hope he blows the roof off that stage.
One other minor gripe: the second verse, while vocally rich, gets a little crowded. Between Gary, Nick, AJ, and possibly even Joe Don and Jay DeMarcus, it becomes a lot to take in at once. I love all their voices, but I would’ve loved a bit more space to let each shine individually.
Still, despite a few critiques, this version of “What Hurts the Most” is magic. It’s heartfelt, nostalgic, and an absolute gift to fans of both groups. For those of us who’ve loved the Backstreet Boys and Rascal Flatts for decades, this collab isn’t just a song—it’s a full-circle moment. And one I’ll be playing on repeat for a long, long time.
Now if we could just get Backstreet Boys to sing “Melt” with Rascal Flatts next… a girl can dream, right?
