Boy band roundup: Backstreet Boys switch labels; Nick Jonas to make West End debut

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Pretend it’s 1999 and you might actually care about the next tidbit.

The Backstreet Boys are switching music labels!

Nick Carter and the posse — sans Kevin Richardson — posted a note on their official website titled “Freedom” that reads:

“So the news is out! The Backstreet Boys are no longer signed to long-time record label Jive Records. The amicable split is very exciting for the group. ‘This is the best thing, at the best time that could have ever happened for us,’ says Brian Littrell. ‘We are confident in the future of our band, and are looking forward to the new things to come. 2011 is going to be a great year for us!’ KTBSPA.” (That’s short for ‘Keep the Backstreet Pride Alive,’ for those not familiar with retro boy-band lingo.)

BSB (hey, we here at Ministry of Gossip know our acronyms!) kick off their concert tour Saturday at Miami’s American Airlines Arena - Waterfront Theatre.

On to teen heartthrobs of present day …

Nick Jonas, right, is scheduled to make his West End theater debut at London’s Queen’s Theatre in ‘Les Miserables,’ beginning June 21, his rep confirmed to JustJared.com.

Jonas, 17, will play the role of Marius in a three-week run of the musical. It’s familiar territory for Miley Cyrus’ ex-flame; he appeared as Gavroche in the ‘Les Miz’s’ run on Broadway in 2003.

-- Yvonne Villarreal

Top photo: Backstreet Boys (from left) Howie Dorough, Nick Carter, A. J. McLean and Brian Littrell. Credit: Andrew H. Walker / Getty Images

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