Looking at the crowd....

**3/17/2012 - NCAA March Madness Round 3 - Louisville, KY**

If you are a friend of mine or have read my blog in the past, you know I am a HUGE University of Kentucky fan.  I've had conversations with Brian, his wife, his father, and his bodyguard about the team (either football or basketball depending on the season).  I was a UK fan before I was a Brian fan but the fact that Brian is from Lexington and also a UK fan does not hurt the cause one bit.

I would also hope that most of my readers know what an AMAZING basketball season the Wildcats have been having this year.  They currently hold a 34-2 record and a perfect 16-0 conference record.  They were the number one overall seed for the NCAA tournament and many believe that they have what it takes to win the championship even though they are a young team.

Imagine my joy when it was announced that the University of Kentucky Wildcats would be playing in Louisville, KY for Rounds 2 and 3 of the NCAA tournament!  I happened to be out of town the night of Selection Sunday but hopped on my computer and bought tickets for round three right away.  Unfortunately, I couldn't miss the work to go down for Round 2 on a Thursday.  Of course, the event was "Sold Out" and I had to resort to paying higher than ticket value on Stub Hub.  I wasn't sure at the time who was going to go with me but I was certain I could find someone and bought two tickets.  I knew I was going to have a free place to stay for the weekend and thought that would be a huge motivator for whoever decided that wanted my spare ticket.

As the week moved on, I had no takers on my ticket, even after a huge reduction in price.  I was going to be traveling to Louisville by myself and attending the game alone.  At that point I just wanted to get some kind of money out of the extra ticket.  I was going to have to resort to selling it on the streets of Louisville.  

I left right after work on Friday night and made the boring five hour drive down to Louisville.  I said goodbye to Lake Michigan and hello to the Ohio River.  If any of you have driven the length of Indiana, you know what an uninteresting drive it is.  The lack of any kind of scenery besides corn fields makes it an ideal night driving state.  You can be sure you won't miss anything by driving in the dark.  I arrived to Southern Indiana just after midnight after being stuck in some stop and go traffic just north of Indianapolis due to road construction.  I was beat and knew I had a long day ahead of me the next day.

The next day I had one primary goal before heading across the river to the game....stock up on University of Kentucky gear because I can't get it up here in Northwest Indiana.  There are two stores I must always hit when I travel to the Louisville area.  The first is called Kentucky Korner, where there is nothing but University of Kentucky and University of Louisville merchandise (but more UK than U of L).  The second is actually a craft store called Ben Franklin's.  Here they have some regular merchandise, but also some crafty stuff as well.  Between the two stores, I picked up a new t-shirt, hoodie, pair of socks, keychain, lanyard, and purse.  I know when I see something that I really like, I have to pick it up then because I never know the next time I will be in the area and whether or not it will be in stock.  

I was fully stocked up on new gear and decided to head to the venue to try to sell my ticket.  The streets of Louisville were crawling with Blue and White, even though it was St. Patrick's Day.  The Big Blue Nation came to represent.  I walked up and down the streets to scope out the ticket selling situation.  Eventually I found someone buying tickets on one of the corners.  He bought it for much less than what I paid for it, but it was better than getting nothing back.  I could now head back to the venue and wait for the doors to open.

Waiting outside the venue in my new UK gear

I had to smile as I arrived to the KFC Yum! Center because of the amazing memories I had from the NKOTBSB show.  I was now going to get to see my Wildcats play here.  It was a gorgeous day, the sun was shining, and the Wildcat spirit was in the air.  I talked to a nice couple from the western part of the state after taking their picture for them.  She had always been a Louisville fan until she started working for a UK outfitters company.  I'm glad she turned away from the dark side.  

We were finally let into the building and I made the long trek to my nose bleed seats.  Even though I was only about nine rows from the top, they still were not bad seats.  I was, of course, sad that I couldn't share the experience with a friend.  However, I was at an NCAA tournament game....and getting to see an amazing Wildcats team.  I was just happy to be there, even if it was alone. A high school kid named Parker eventually sat in the seat that I sold the ticket for.  I wanted to know how much the person I sold the ticket to was going to charge for it but I thought it might be rude to ask Parker how much he paid for the seat.

1.  Sad Alone Chrissy  2.  Nosebleed Seats  3.  March Madness!  4.  Happy to be there Chrissy

By purchasing tickets to the entire round, you get to watch all of the games at that venue for the round.   In the case of Round 3, it is two games.  The first game of the night was the Murray State Racers (6) v. the Marquette Golden Eagles  (3).  There were two small sections of yellow (both teams main color) and some yellow spattered here and there.  That arena was decked out in blue.  Most UK fans were cheering for Murray State, a small state funded university in southwestern Kentucky.  However after a tough fight for most of the game, the Golden Eagles came out on top 62-53 to get into the Sweet Sixteen.  

It was now the time almost the entire arena was waiting for....Wildcat basketball!  The crowd erupted as the Wildcats took the floor for warmups.  The game set up the Kentucky Wildcats (1) v. the Iowa State Cyclones (8).  During warm up, I heard a familiar tune played by the Iowa State band and knew it had to be a good sign.

"I Want It That Way" - Iowa State Band

2012 NCAA March Madness Round 3

Louisville, KY

Starting Line Up - Lamb, Jones, Kidd-Gilchrist, Davis, Teague

The starting line up included Doron Lamb, Terrance Jones, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Anthony Davis, and Marquis Teague.  Darius Miller and Kyle Wiltjer would play at other points of the game. The Cats came out strong right away, roaring to a 7-2 lead capped by a Terrance Jones dunk.  With only 11:27 to go in the first half, the Cats were on fire with their 3 pointers, making 3 in a row (one of which was later ruled to actually be a 2) and going up 21-11.  The Cyclones would then battle back on an 11-3 run after after their first 3 pointer, but would not take the lead from the Wildcats who were still up 26-22 with 6:59 left in the first half.  The first half closes with an 8-1 run by UK and a 38-27 lead by the Cats.  Kentucky was able to dominate the boards the first half, outrebounding ISU 21-11.  They also shot 48.8% and held ISU (a very good three point shooting team) to 1 for 8 from the three point line.

Doron Lamb for the 3

Kyle Wiltjer takes a bad spill

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist drives to the basket

It's always nice to have a nice lead at half time, especially knowing that they had won 60 straight games when leading by 10 or more points at the half.  We were up by 11 but I knew it wasn't time to get cocky.  Anything can happen in these games...just look at the 16 point comeback by Western Kentucky against Mississippi Valley in Round 1.

Miller started the second half in the place of Lamb, who already had two fouls against him.  Just as I feared, ISU opened the half on a 7-0 run and Coach Calipari quickly used two of his timeouts.  The Wildcats were clinging to a 38-34 lead with 18:26 left in the game.  The lead does not last for long when the Cyclones tie the game at 42.  A Jones dunk changes that and gives the Cats a two point lead, 44-42 and the UK outscores the Cyclones 30-10 with a 20-2 run.  With 7:11 left in the game, UK is well in control with a score of 72-52.  With 2:55 left to go, the Cats stay in control, 84-65, with Teague and Miller on a roll and ISU's White fouled out.  The Wildcats end up beating the Cyclones 87-71 to move onto the Sweet 16 in Atlanta, GA.  

This basket by Terrance Jones started a 20-2 run by the Wildcats.

An Anthony Davis block is not uncommon to see, but hard to catch with a photo.

Not happening with Davis and Jones around the basket.

Even the Wildcat gets into the Big Blue spirit.

Drive to the basket by Marquis Teague.

The Wildcats play hard but fight even harder.  Davis ends up crashing into the media table after a well-fought battle for the ball.

Darius Miller for 3.

A brief overview of why the Kentucky Wildcats came out on top.

If you have never been to a Kentucky game, you need to....even if you aren't a Wildcats fan.  The Big Blue Nation is like none other that you have ever seen.  We were lucky that this game practically happened in the Wildcats back yard, but fans of this team will travel for hundred of miles to cheer on their team.  Plus, fans are spread out all over the nation.  The chants of "Go Big Blue" when the Cats are on fire is electrifying.  The "boos" that erupt whenever Duke or a Duke player is mentioned or shown on the scoreboard will make you want to join in.  And the "Ohhhhhhhh C-A-T-S - Cats, Cats, Cats" chant as you are leaving the arena after the big win makes you happy to be part of the Big Blue Nation.  I would not trade the experience for anything.

Filled with love, to last throughout the year...

**Top 11 of 2011**

It is New Year's Eve and 2011 is about to end.  Overall, it was a great year filled with concerts, new friends, my favorite University, and a cruise to top it all off.  It's going to be hard to count down my Top 11 Backstreet/University of Kentucky moments of 2011 but I'm going to try.

11.  My Very Kentucky Birthday - I am clearly a University of Kentucky fan.  For my birthday this year, I received an authentic UK basketball jersey and a pair of UK shoes.  I like to wear them proudly around Northwest Indiana where people give me questionable looks and often don't understand than UK stands for the University of Kentucky and NOT the United Kingdom.  I will ALWAYS be a Wildcat fan and wish more than anything that my husband and I would move to Lexington.

Me and Tammy - Wildcat Fans Forever

 10.  My First Kentucky Win - Going along with my University of Kentucky gifts was my chance to see my first UK win ever when I went to a UK football game with Tammy in November.  Up to this point, we had been 0-4 when we had gone to see either UK football or basketball games.  During this game against Ole Miss, the curse was broken!

All the Girls Minus Tammy and Susan - We missed you!

9.  New Backstreet Friends - This year would not have been the same without meeting some new Backstreet friends.  The daily e-mails were always enough to start my day out on the right foot and after one of us had just gotten done with a concert, the e-mails got even better with photos and videos.  The daily communication was a way to help one another deal with our Backstreet withdrawals...or to make it worse in some cases.  In some cases we were enablers to one another but we were always there for one another.  So, to Laura, Cory, Tammy, Susan, Ashley, and Anne Marie....thanks for filling up my e-mail.  To Cortney and Jen...may we have more time to become even better friends.

8.  The Great Ab Debate of 2011 - One of the many e-mail threads that were exchanged among me and some of my new BSB friends regarded a very important topic...who had better abs...Donnie Wahlburg or AJ McLean?  Yes, here was group of 20-30 something year olds arguing over which Boy Band Bad Boy had the best midsection.  Who needs to debate about politics or religion or education?  Not us, I guess.  This e-mail thread was composed of 51 e-mails between the group, with photos and videos attached to try to prove one's point.  There never was a clear winner but we all agreed that both men were just too sexy for their own good anyway.

Who has better abs? AJ McLean from the Backstreet Boys or Donnie Whalburg from New Kids on the Block?

AJ McLean Donnie Whalburg

pollcode.com free polls

7.  The Summer of NKOTBSB - So this isn't really one event per-say.  2011 was the year where NKOTBSB dominated the thoughts of many, many, many girls across the United States.  I was a New Kids fan as a first grader, but I have now been a Backstreet fan for almost half of my life.  What started as hesitation for this tour at first, turned into never wanting it to end.  So, by the end of the summer of 2011, I had attended 6 NKOTBSB concerts (Grand Rapids, 2 Chicago, Nashville, Louisville, Indianapolis) and had wanted to go to so many more.   I went with a different "group" to each concert and realized that the Backstreet Boys do truly bring people together.  I traveled a total of approximately 2,331 miles to see those nine men perform and who knows how much money was spent on concert tickets, VIPs, merchandise, gas, and food.  But every mile, every dollar, every minute of my time was worth the happiness that filled me when I went to those concerts.  The withdrawals afterwards were not so much fun.  Maybe if I ever do go back to grad school for psychology I can do an experiment on how the Backstreet Boys affect their fans similarly to how drugs affect drug addicts.

Wildcat until the day I die....

6.  My Louisville Acknowledgements - During my Louisville NKOTBSB show, Brian ackowledged me, not once, but twice from the stage.  I had to wear my University of Kentucky gear to represent my Wildcats while we were in the nest of the enemy (University of Louisville Cardinals).  Being second row, I also knew it would catch Brian's eye.  He acknowledged me first at the very beginning of the show and then again when the Boys were choosing people for "I'll Never Break Your Heart."  The people next to me said he would have picked me for sure if it wouldn't have been Leighanne's birthday.  I was happy he had laughed at my sign and do believe deep down in my heart that I might have had the chance to be picked.  One day I hope to have that moment.

5.  Crazy for Wylee - I had been to two of Leighanne's Wylee parties during the NKOTBSB concerts, both of which Brian had made very brief appearances.  My third finally paid off when I was able to have a pretty long conversation with Brian and get a photo.  I also talked to his dad and bodyguard that day.  It made me feel like I was a part of something special and I must have been nuts to leave the party before Brian left but I had been on a mission to find him a UK jersey to wear for the final number of the concert.  I returned to the soundcheck with no luck but Brian happily remembered me and thanked me for trying.

Well worth every penny of the upgrade...

4.  My First Platinum VIP - Obviously the Louisville NKOTBSB show was by far my favorite.  Not only had I interacted with Brian during the Wylee party and been acknowledged by him onstage, but this was my first concert with a Platinum VIP.  I had originally won a silver but had upgraded when I thought that Brian might switch with AJ for the backstage tour because he was in his home state.  That was a bust but I had some interaction with Nick and AJ, they sang "Siberia" (one of my faves), I got my first ever solo photo with the group (in front of the barriers), and I got a backstage tour and photo with AJ.  This particular VIP had been well worth it (not everyone has great VIP reviews).

This is what dreams are made of...

3.  BSB Cruise 2011 - I have absolutely no regrets about this year's BSB Cruise.  I set out to do everything that I wanted to do...stay up late, be brave, spend time with friends, relax on a beach in the Bahamas, and have a good time.  I did all of those and had a great time doing it.  After having last year's cruise to compare to, I wasn't sure how this one was going to stack up so I decided that I needed to go in there with low expectations again.  Once again, this cruise blew the little expectations I had out of the water.  I had fun, my friends had fun, the Backstreet Boys had fun...what more could you ask for?  For the girl who told me that she didn't think the cruise was worth the money....I'd say she needs to get over the "I deserve more" complex that some fans (NOT ALL!), I am sorry to say, have.

2.  Say Cheese! - I have been lucky enough this year to get 9 photos with the Backstreet Boys, either as a group or individually.  These include:  NKOTBSB Grand Rapids Silver VIP with group, Louisville Wylee Party with Brian, NKOTBSB Louisville Platinum VIP with group and AJ, Miami Wylee Party with Brian, Pre-Cruise Party at Cameo with group,  80s Night Deck Party with Howie, Prom Night Deck Party with Kevin, and BSB Cruise Group Photo.  Every single one of these moments was special and I am so glad that I have these photos to remember these times when I was in the presence of the men that have meant so much to me in the past 13 years. 

Laura wonders if I love UK or BSB more...

1.  Brian's "Kentucky Girl" - So what can be better than getting 9 photos with the Backstreet Boys in one year?  How about getting a nickname from your idol?  Brian first called me "Kentucky Girl" after a brief talk about UK basketball during the Miami Wylee party.  Yes, I know I do not live in Kentucky, nor have I ever (although I was really close).  However, two of my top ten moments revolve around the University of Kentucky, three of my nine BSB photos (this year) include me in a UK shirt, and my dream city of residence is Lexington, KY....so tell me that I am not a Kentucky Girl at heart and don't deserve that nickname.  I figured that I would just take the name and enjoy it for the night because there was no way I was ever going to be called that again....until he did it again at the Pre-Cruise Party at Cameo later that night.  So he remembered me just hours after seeing me?  It didn't matter....he still remembered me...I had made some kind of impression in the minute or so we had talked at that table at the Wylee Party!  I spent the next two days watching him and the rest of the group entertain us with a Sail Away Party, a game show, a Beach Party, a concert, and two deck parties.  There was no way when I went to go take that group photo on the third day that he was going to remember me after two days of busy work and seeing hundreds of fans.  When the words "Kentucky Girl" came out of his mouth again during that photo and I wasn't wearing anything UK to have triggered that memory, I could have fainted.  He actually remembered me...the girl who people seem to forget about in their lives, the girl who actually only had her first picture taken with him just last October, the girl who doesn't have the money to buy multiple VIPs (one Silver was won this year and the other was an upgrade from a won Silver).  To this day, I am not sure if the Louisville show had anything to do with his memory of me since we had talked UK there as well and I was faithfully wearing my blue and white.  Nor am I sure if my attendance at his 2010 HHC VIP Weekend influenced his memory since we had also talked UK there and I was wearing a UK shirt.  All of those events could have triggered his memory this time, but this Cruise vacation was the first time he had called me "Kentucky Girl."  Will he ever call me that again?  Only he knows.  I would think that if I wearing Kentucky or we started talking UK, then he would.  Would I do that just so he would remember me?  You bet I would.  Until it happens again, I am going to keep it locked tight in my heart that for a brief few days I was Brian's "Kentucky Girl."

I hope that 2012 brings all of this same happiness for me and other Backstreet friends!

You are my fire, the one desire...

**NKOTBSB Tour - 7/20/2011 - KFC Yum! Center - Louisville, KY**

*Part III - Concert*

Originally, I had this review done.  Then, I went to delete one little thing in it and it deleted the whole review!  It auto saved before I could recover it so I had to start all over.  Now I have been trying to decide if I wanted to go along the same route with the same full review or do something different.  In the end, if I wrote a full review for each of my 6 NKOTBSB shows, there will be a lot of repetition.  So, I am going to just focus on what made this show different from the others.

KFC Yum! Center - Louisville, KY

Me and Tammy

At the time of this show, I had already been to 4 NKOTBSB shows and already had a feeling that this one would be greater than all the rest.  My time before the show had been amazing.  And for this show, we had great seats, it was in Kentucky, and I was with a great concert friend.

After my soundcheck, I needed to meet Tammy outside the venue.  She was just getting into town and it just so happened that Leighanne had moved the Wylee trailer in front of the venue.  It served for a great meeting place.  While waiting for Tammy, I saw someone that looked very familiar in front of the venue.  I approached her and it was determined that was actually the Rush Chair the semester that I rushed Epsilon Sigma Alpha, a philanthropic sorority at Ball State University.

Tammy finally showed up, wearing her new Wylee dress.  She wanted to show Leighanne how she was able to make sleeves from her Wylee scarf and Leighanne fell in love with it.  Leighanne asked Tammy to take a photo with her.  This has been the only time that I have met Leighanne and did not get a photo.

The Prime Lounge

We knew we had some time before the show started so we decided to walk down the street to the Prime Lounge.  Howie was supposed to be having his after party here after the show but he informed us during the soundcheck that it was cancelled.  The Prime Lounge was playing BSB music and was packed.  We ordered a light dinner and could not find an empty table.  Tammy approached a table that had some room and we sat with a girl who was going to the show and her friend.  We chatted about BSB and the show.  It was great to meet some new BSB fans.

On our way back to the venue, we stopped at the Wylee trailer once again to see if there were plans in the works for a Just Ask (formerly Healthy Hearts Club) charity event this fall.  Leighanne had left but her best friend Jodi informed us that she had not heard of anything yet.  Bummer.  Last year's event was amazing and I was really looking forward to one this year.  One may still happen but we'll see.

We got to the venue and found out we had missed the first opening act, Midnight Red.  It would have been the first time seeing them but I was happy that I had not missed Matthew Morrison.  I am a huge Glee fan and was super excited about seeing him.

Floor 4 - Row B

We had great seats - Second Row just to the left of the head.  Because the front row was up against the barrier, we didn't really have to strain to look over them.  I think these were actually the best seats I had for all of my concerts (well except for maybe the front row during the first show).

When Brian came down to the head of the stage for "The Call," he looked at me and then pointed to his hat and smiled.  I was wearing my University of Kentucky hat and he was basically telling me that he saw me.  It was the first time that I had ever been acknowledged during a show.  I had been smiled at and such but nothing ever like this.  It made me super happy and I hope this was one sign that maybe I would get picked for "I'll Never Break Your Heart" after all.

I had made a sign in hopes to get picked for "INBYH."  I had actually talked to Leighanne about it at the Wylee Party in Nashville.  Although at that time, my idea for the sign had been something along the lines of "Brian - Show these Cardinals some Wildcat spirit.  Pick me."  Leighanne loved the idea but informed me that he would probably pick his mom since she would be there.  I figured I would try anyway but decided to shorten my sign.  A friend of mine had told me about problems she had trying to get her sign into a show and I wanted to make sure that mine was not too big.

Showing my Wildcat pride!

Once I knew they were going to be picking girls, I grabbed my sign and held it up as high in the air as I could.  I was screaming my head off.  Brian looked at me, saw my sign, and gave a little giggle.  I thought for sure that he was going to pick me!  Then, I saw Leighanne coming on stage!  At first I thought, "Of all the shows to pick her, why does it have to be here?"  Then I remembered...it was her birthday.  So I couldn't stay mad for long.  I mean, I had gotten another acknowledgement on stage from Brian.  That is better than nothing.  Some fans next to us did tell me after the show that they think he would have picked me if it would not have been Leighanne's birthday.

And while this next part happens at every show, it is one of my favorites...

Donnie's abs during "Cover Girl"

Before this show, many of my friends and I had been talking about going onto the concourse when NKOTB are singing "Tonight" in order to see if we could meet whatever BSB is there for "Shape of My Heart."  I did not do this during this show because I knew some of the NKOTB were going to be walking pretty close to us when they came out into the audience for "Tonight."  I am glad I did not leave because Jonathan walked right by us and shook both mine and Tammy's hand!  Anytime you can have physical contact with any celebrity, it is super exciting.

"Tonight"

If I would have gone out into the concourse, I would have seen Howie and AJ.  I think I would have regretted it a little more if Brian would have been on my side so I was glad that it was those two.  Howie ended up taking his son, James, onto the stage.  It was adorable.

"Shape of My Heart"

Something that always changes slightly is the introductions that the group has for one another.  Brian started off by telling the group how to correctly pronounce Louisville.  Here is the rest that I got on video.

Louisville Introductions

The only intro that I did not get that I wished I would have was Howie's intro of Danny.  Usually he uses the same line of "He knows how to bring the Wood to the party."  However, this time he got creative and said, "He's got more Wood than a Louisville Slugger."  It was so perfect for the city we were in and the rest of the group loved it.  Everyone gave Howie a high five and told him how awesome it was.

My favorite part of this show had to be the fact that they did, in fact, find a University of Kentucky jersey for Brian to wear.  My Kentucky boy had come out to play...

NKOTBSB Encore

Tammy and I did not want the party to end so we found some photo opportunities around the arena.  We first found some University of Kentucky heroes that were displayed around the arena.  Only we would find something UK related in the University of Louisville arena.

Then came our photo ops with the NKOTBSB poster.

And I think we would have both looked great on Danny Wood's Harley.

Overall, it was a great night.  I am glad that Tammy was able to join me and make me miss our many trips together, especially to Lexington.

You can check out the rest of my photos here:  NKOTBSB - Louisville

In my dreams you are still here...

**NKOTBSB Tour - 7/20/2011 - KFC Yum! Center - Louisville, KY**

*Part II - Soundcheck*

Now it's time to share the wonderful experience that was the Louisville soundcheck...

From Silver...

So, I had gotten an e-mail on Sunday that I had won a Silver VIP for the Backstreet Boys for my show in Louisville.  For those of you who do not know BSB VIP lingo:  a Silver VIP includes a BSB Soundcheck that consists of 3-4 songs (more about this later), Q&A, and a group photo (the Boys and 4-5 girls).  The last time that I did VIP, I had Susan with me.  This time I was going to be by myself.

I got to the venue a little before 3:45 when check in was supposed to be.  The main box office was filled with both BSB VIP people and NKOTB All Access people.  They sort of divided us and we started the VIP process.  A girl that I had met at the Wylee Party in Nashville, Emily, came up to me and we started talking.  She had also won a Silver VIP but was thinking about upgrading to Gold so that she could get an individual picture with the group.

While standing in line, I asked Justin and the other guy that works check in (I have no idea what his name is) who was giving the backstage tour that comes with the Platinum VIP.  I knew if they were going in the same order that it would be AJ.  However, Leighanne and I had talked about Brian possibly switching with him so that he could do the backstage tour in his home state.  I had been debating whether or not I was going to upgrade ever since I had won the Silver.  Justin would not tell me who was doing the tour and I should have guessed that he wouldn't because they never do.  That is why we keep track of it on the fan club.  If I would have been smart, I would have asked Brian when I had talked to him at the Wylee Party.  However, I was so wrapped up in the conversation we were having that it didn't even dawn on me.  I also realized today that it would have been the perfect time to have another conversation with him that I have been wanting to have for a long time...oh well, it must not have been the right time and place after all.

So, I got my Silver VIP and got in my Silver VIP line.  I saw Emily upgrading hers to Gold.  I knew that if Brian was going to do the backstage tour and I didn't upgrade, I was going to completely kick myself in the butt.  If AJ gave the tour, it wouldn't be a complete loss because AJ was my second favorite for a long time.  Plus, I would be able to sit front row for soundcheck, get my individual picture with the group, and get my backstage tour.  And I would only be paying the difference between the Silver and the Platinum because I would be upgrading from the free Silver.  So instead of paying $520, I would only be paying $312.  I was SO torn.  I decided to heed Nick's advice from the BSB Cruise 2010..."just F it."  I got out of my Silver VIP line and went back to the check in table.  Once there, I debated again....upgrade to Gold or Platinum?  Justin looked at me and told me that I looked like I was contemplating something and I told him that I was trying to decide which one my husband would kill me less over.  I should have told him that if he didn't tell me who was doing the tour, I would not share my chili cheese fries with him on the cruise again this year.  It's amazing what you can think of to say after a situation is already done.  I decided to go for the Platinum.  After swiping my card, Justin asks if you have a cell phone that receives texts because that is how you get the receipt.  I gave him the number and he said he would give it to AJ later....his way of telling me that AJ is giving the tour.  Man.  Who cares, I am still going to have a great time.  Again for those who don't speak BSB VIP:  Platinum includes Soundcheck of 3-4 songs, Q&A, a pre-signed 8x10 photo of the Boys, an individual pic with the group, a backstage tour given by one of the Backstreet Boys, and a photo with whoever is giving the tour.

...To Platinum

So we were sat down in order.  Platinums in the first row, then Gold, then Silver, then Bronze, then the radio contest winners.  Justin explains the rules for the Q&A and then asks if we have any questions.  I asked him if we can take our photos without the barriers.  For those who do not know, usually the Boys stand behind a barrier and then the fans stand in front of it.  During this tour, some people have been able to take their photos without the barrier.  I think it depends on the group size and what kind of mood the Boys are in.  Justin said that it was not up to him but that with the size of our group it was a good possibility that we would be able to have no barriers.  

So AJ comes out and Nick comes out on his cell phone.  Howie was on his cell phone pacing on the main stage.  Brian was no where to be seen.  Nick was talking to Jen, their manager.  I never found out who Howie was talking to but AJ and Nick were making fun of the way he was pacing because he was doing it so rhythmically.  He later told us that he was stepping on the tape that was on the main stage to mark spots.  Brian was still no where but they told us he was taking care of family matters since this was his home state.  That's when I yelled out that we were in enemy territory.  AJ looked at me and asked how so.  I said that we are University of Kentucky fans and that we were in the arena of the University of Louisville Cardinals...our big time rivals.  He then commented that it would be worse if we were in the Duke arena.  I agreed and then it was pointed out that Nick was wearing a Duke Nukem shirt so that was close enough.  AJ told everyone that they could ask questions so people were just shooting questions out there....and this wasn't even the Q&A session!  Mostly people asked about being picked for I'll Never Break Your Heart and people were telling them that it was someone's birthday.  The three of them talked about how they can be mean when it comes to picking fans for "I'll Never Break Your Heart."  They said that fans get really mad when they pick the person next to the girl with the "pick me" sign and that they think it is funny to pick someone who is clearly a New Kids fan because they are decked out in New Kids gear.  I asked if we could take our pictures without barricades.  AJ said that he was making the executive decision that there would be no barricades in the photo.  The fans were all very kind to me and thanked me for that.  One fan did ask AJ where his favorite tattoo was.  It is his Betty Boop with his grandma's name that is on his arm.  His grandma was a huge Betty Boop fan.  Also, AJ's favorite song to sing is Siberia and that he believes that it should have been a single.  I know Brian thinks this same thing.  Why it wasn't is beyond me because it is also a favorite of mine.  I also found out that AJ loves Wal-Mart.

This went on for a long while and Nick decided that it was time for payback from a previous soundcheck.  Apparently, Nick had been late for a soundcheck (in Tulsa) so the Boys had everyone look at their watch and tell him that he was late.  Nick wanted to do the same thing but then changed the phrase we were going to say to "In Kentucky????"  One of the crew members came over and had the Jeopardy theme music on his phone and played that into the microphone so that Brian might be able to hear it.  Brian finally came out but he came from the head of the stage and not the main part as if he was coming from backstage.  He was following his mom, dad, and brother.  He hopped up on stage and we said our line....he said "really?"  He apologized to us and explained that he was getting his family situated with their tickets and such.  Then Nick asked him if his head was burning with his UK hat on.....I have to believe that my previous conversation with them brought this on.

So, when the Backstreet Boys sing their songs in soundcheck they ask for requests from the fans.  Their guidelines are that it cannot be too old and that it should actually be a song that was released as a single.  This ensures that they have the song to play and that they remember the words.  However, I do not like this rule because these are the same songs that they sing during the show.  So everybody started shouting out their Greatest Hits stuff.  I did not want to hear these as I knew I would see them during the show.  I yelled out "Siberia."  AJ heard me and they sang "Siberia."  I was on a roll!  I think I found that since I was sitting in the front row that I had more confidence because I didn't have to compete with anyone in front of me.  The second song that they sang was "Drowning,"  which they do play during the concert but it is a good song and one of Tammy's favorites.  I almost called her so that she could hear them singing it.  I guess lately they have only been singing 2 songs for soundcheck, even though the website says they are supposed to sing 3-4.  Oh well.

Soundcheck Photos

Then the Q&A came.  During this time, each of the Boys is asked one question.  Fans are not supposed to ask for hugs or to be sung to, but ask something that teaches us something about the Boys.  Here are the questions and their answers paraphrased.

Howie - When you hopefully go on your solo tour, will you come to Louisville?  - He is planning on doing a solo tour but has no idea what his schedule will be like.

AJ - Do you prefer touring as it was back then or now? - AJ thinks now.  He shared that for the first two weeks he is happy to be home.  Then the third week he starts to miss the road.  Then by the fourth week he wants to be on the road again really bad.

Nick - If you were the only 4 left on the planet, who would you mate with?  - All of the Boys seemed impressed with this question and complimented her because it must have been something she had thought long and hard about.  Nick says that would take some genetic engineering since it would be impossible to mate with one another since they are all male.  So he decides that he would just genetically engineer the perfect Backstreet Boy with Brian's calves (always been a favorite feature of mine), AJ's voice, Howie's body hair, and his hair.  Then they would have to fly to the moon to mate with the aliens so that can populate the earth again.  AJ then chimed in that if the question was that there was one girl left that he would feel sorry for the one girl because she would have to do it so much.  She would be like, "again?"  All of us said that would NOT be the case....

Brian - Are you and Leighanne planning on having anymore children?  - He simply said that they have been blessed with one child but that is all they are having.  He avoided the fact that Leighanne cannot have anymore children.  Then he asked why he always gets the "dad" questions.

After question and answer, it is time for the group photos.  The Bronze VIPs are ushered out because they do not get photos.  The radio contest winners go first, then Silver, then Gold.  Finally, the Platinum VIPs go.  I was the first one in line for my photo.  Drew, Brian's bodyguard, is the one that was holding us in line.  He tells me "Long time, no see" (he had just seen me at the Wylee Party) and gives me a high five.  When getting our photo taken, we can only give the Boys handshakes, no hugs.  Apparently, they had been getting sick quite a bit and that was to reduce the chance of that happening.  So I shake each of their hands and tell them hello.  I never know what to say to any of them except hi.  Almost all of the people with Gold VIPs had gotten in the middle of Howie and Nick so that they were in the very center. I, of course, had to be next to Brian.  When I shook Brian's hand he said, "Well hello again."  I told him that I could not find him a UK jersey and he told be it was okay and thanks anyway.  I then picked up my pre-signed 8x10 photo and sat down to wait for the backstage tour.  

B-Rok, Me, Howie D., Kaos, and Bone

Backstage Tour

AJ at beginning of tour

AJ was our tour guide and told us to start thinking at the beginning on what our pose will be for our photos because he didn't want any boring "prom" pictures.  I am always so bad at thinking up of poses.  We first saw the sound booth.  He then talked about the Penis Stage and how no one had thought out one of the costume choices.  I had never thought about this before but at one point, Brian and AJ come out on the head, wearing nothing but white ("Show Me the Meaning").  You use your imagination on that one....  He also talked about how you have to bend over when going underneath the stage and how it is really hard on someone who has had knee surgery on both his knees.  So he talked about how he was going to go to Wal-Mart to buy a skateboard so he can just sit on it and wheel himself down the stage.  And no one else will get to use it.

He then took us backstage and showed us the spot on the stage where he had fallen during the very first concert in Chicago.  Because of this, they added hand rails to the spot.  AJ was the guinea pig.  Then, we saw where some of the pyrotechnics were kept.  He talked about how during the "rain wall" during Jordan's "I'll Be Loving You Forever,"  he burned his head because he wasn't wearing his hat and stood under it.  Sometimes, I think AJ is not very bright.  We then saw the computer station that runs the whole show.  It was here that AJ said that they try to do something different every show.  This proves my point that no two shows are ever the same and makes me want to do Mega Tour even more.  We then met some crew members and then had our photos taken.

Me and AJ McLean

I was one of the last ones because I could not think of a good pose.  I settled on one finally.  I had totally forgotten that my friends had talked about asking him to take off his shirt if they ever did platinum.  I think it would have settled the debate that Donnie's abs are much finer than AJ's (but that is another post for another time).  While there were a lot of cute poses, I didn't want to do one that someone else had already done because then I felt like I would have been stealing.  The important thing is that I finally have a photo with someone other than Brian (although I do have one with Kevin but he is just not a member anymore).  I can now get my photo with Donnie if the time ever arises because I proved my friends wrong.  The conversation was if you had the opportunity of getting a photo with AJ or Donnie, who would it be with?  I said Donnie because I would have more opportunities later with AJ since I do way more BSB stuff.  They told me that I would never get a photo with AJ because I always stand next to Brian....take that girls!!!!  Not only did I get a photo with AJ, but I am leaning towards Howie in my group photo!  LOL.

Well, I guess that is my BSB Platinum VIP experience.  Stay tuned for my concert review....where more cool stuff happens!

You've got something so incredible in my eyes...

**NKOTBSB Tour - 7/20/2011 - KFC Yum! Center - Louisville, KY**

*Part I - The Wylee Party*

Well, I had a hard time deciding if I wanted to continue with my Backstreet Adventures in order or go ahead and review my NKOTBSB show from last night first.  I decided that I would go ahead and skip ahead to review the show and then go back to where I left off.  Then I realized that A LOT happened yesterday (Wylee Party, VIP, and Concert) and it would be a VERY long post if I posted everything in one post.  So my NKOTBSB - Louisville review will be split up into a couple parts.

Before this tour was announced, I was hoping and praying that NKOTBSB would go to Lexington, KY for a show.  I absolutely love Lexington and if it were up to me, that is where my husband and I would be living right now.  When they announced that they would be in Louisville instead, I had to take what was given to me.  I had to go to this show since I had lived right across the Ohio River for two years and was very upset when we had to move back to Northwest Indiana.  I loved it down there and miss it every day.  I thought it was great that they were playing in Kentucky but knew that I was going to have to represent my University of Kentucky Wildcats since they were doing the show in the KFC Yum! Center, where the University of Louisville basketball team plays.  I was going to be in enemy territory.  Although, I believe that the fact that UK leads the record over U of L in both basketball (28-14) and football (14-9) shows which school is superior.  Oh and for those of you who are wondering...I am NOT a UK fan just because Brian is.  I was a UK fan long before BSB even formed.  My guess is that this is one of the many reasons that I was drawn to Brian.

Tammy and me at a UK Basketball Game

Anyway, I was originally supposed to go to this concert with my friend Susan (met on BSB fan club).  However, on Monday, she texted me to tell me that her husband's grandfather had passed away and she was not going to be able to go to the concert with me.  I had to do some pretty deep searching to find someone who could buy her ticket.  it was such short notice that people either had to work, could not find a babysitter, were on vacation, or had family coming into visit.  My friend, Tammy (met at one of Brian's solo concerts), ended up taking Susan's ticket.  She had wanted to go to this concert since day one, as she is also a fan of UK and wants to live in Kentucky.  Now, she was getting her opportunity.

I left for Louisville on Tuesday night after work.  I was staying with some friends who we used to spend a lot of time with when we lived down there.  My normal place of accommodations was unavailable because they were on vacation.  I didn't really have a plan for the next morning except to go to the mall so that I could go shopping at "Kentucky Korner" to buy myself a new UK shirt for the concert.  However, when I woke up I decided that I better check Twitter to see if Leighanne was having a Wylee Party.  I got my butt in gear once I discovered that she was from 1-4.  Check in for soundcheck (I had won Silver VIP) was at 3:45 so I really did not expect Brian to be there.  Usually when he attends the Wylee Parties, Drew will bring him from the venue towards the end.  I knew the end of the party was going to be too close to soundcheck for him to be there.

So I went to "Kentucky Korner" and bought my new UK shirt.  I wasn't planning on changing into it until the show because it was HOT that day and I knew I would be sweating.  So I wore my old UK shirt (which I do have on in a picture with Brian during his HHC event) because I still had to represent while I was in Louisville.  I also decided to do a little searching for a possible cruise dress.  A hint for a theme was released back in May and my friends and I believe it will be a White Night.  I did find a white dress and picked that up while I was there.  I then headed across the river to a store called Clodhoppers, where the Wylee Party was supposed to be.  I got there at 1, went in, and there was no Wylee anywhere in sight.  There were two other people outside.  We later found out that the party was supposed to start at 2, even though Twitter said 1.  There was a heat index of 105 so there was no way I was going to continue to stand outside.  I went into the CVS right next door and picked up a water, a Snickers Ice Cream Bar, and a book of Sudoku puzzles.  I went back to my car and blasted the air.  At 2, the Wylee trailer pulled up.  Shortly after, a white van pulled up and out popped Brian, his parents, Baylee, and Leighanne.  They started unloading the Wylee gear and we all went in.  At that point, there were maybe only 7 or so fans.  I knew Brian usually did not take pictures at the Wylee Parties but he was just kind of standing there and helping them set up.  All the fans were just kind of standing around so I decided to work up the courage to go talk to him.  Sometimes I find it intimidating to talk to them because of who they are.

Wildcat Fans Forever

I asked Brian if he was going to be taking pictures and he said it depended on the number of people there.  Since there were so few of us, I recommended that we just take it then and he agreed.  So I now have five photos of me wearing this same UK short (one from this day and four from the photo booth at his HHC event).  He complimented me on my Maymee Hold It (a Wylee product) and I discussed my UK bracelet with him that I found in Cozumel on the BSB Cruise 2010.  We then discussed how he had requested that they do a show in Lexington at Rupp Arena when talks of this tour first started, since they hadn't played there since Millennium (he had completely forgetten that they did Lexington for the Black and Blue Tour).  He was disappointed when they chose Louisville instead, but still felt good to be home.  He then told me that he was trying to get them to find him a UK jersey to wear for the encore but wasn't sure if they would be able to find one since we were in Cardinal country.  I told him that I knew where I might be able to find one and that if I did, I would bring it to soundcheck.

Can you tell why we may have been talking about my bracelet?

Brian's dad then came up to me and asked if I was a UK fan (duh!).  I said, "Is there any other team?"  We then talked about Drew and how he played football for USC (I believe) until he hurt his knees.  I also talked to Drew for a little bit.  Can you believe he has not actually seen the show (he is always backstage)?  I also wished Leighanne a Happy Birthday.

I picked up an Ellen tote (more Wylee merch) for my friend Cory, who did not get a Wylee Party in Tulsa for her concert.  It was actually hand delivered to me by Brian Littrell himself.  I decided that if I was going to find a UK jersey for Brian, that I would have to leave before he left.  I traveled back across the river and back to "Kentucky Korner," where I could have sworn I had seen a UK jersey.  However, since it is not basketball season, that was a no go.  I tried!  How amazing would it have been for him to wear a jersey I had given him during the show.  I would have died!

I headed back to the venue for the soundcheck, crossing the Ohio River one more time for the day....

Stay tuned for my Soundcheck Review....