Timeless classics, velvet voices and fancy footwork continuously filled the air at the 2021 American Music Awards. The 80s and 90s were recreated, as two of the world’s most influential boy bands shared the stage for the first time. History was made as New Edition and the New Kids on the Block recaptured hearts, performing the songs that once ignited the heart of every teenage girl in the world.
Clad in black, NKOTB appeared onstage as the crowd went into a hysterical frenzy. Wasting no time at all, they jumped right into a rousing rendition of “You Got It (The Right Stuff)”. Suddenly, it was 1989 all over again. Soon after, New Edition took it back to 1983 with their smash hit “Candy Girl”. Adorned with coordinated multicolored ensembles, the boys from Roxbury, along with Washington DC native Johnny Gill, effortlessly set the stage ablaze.
The excitement didn’t stop there as New Edition quickly followed up with “Mr. Telephone Man.” When New Edition remained onstage for their ballad “Is This the End”, many thought that it actually was the end. Yet, it wasn’t. NKOTB soon returned for an impromptu version of “Please Don’t Go Girl” in one of the best mashups in AMA history.
In a flash, New Edition was onstage alone once again for a sultry rendition of “Can You Stand the Rain”. NKOTB rapidly followed up with “Hangin’ Tough”. Soon, it was time for the grand finale. As the crowd sang and danced along, New Edition took the stage for the last time with their infectious hit “If It Isn’t Love”. In the midst of NE’s showstopping choreography, NKOTB joined in, creating nostalgia that will never be forgotten.
