Boy bands are making a comeback! No, they’re not the same as NSYNC or the Backstreet Boys, but I like to think of them like the 21st-century version. I have very specific and picky music taste, but I will admit that I’d actually listen to One Direction’s songs again. This is just one example of the many boy bands that are increasingly gaining popularity. These boy bands bring me back to my childhood, when leather pants and synchronized dance moves were the norm.

As a college girl who grew up in such a world, its hard for me to accept the fact that there are new groups trying to move in on the boy band territory. However, some of them actually have some talent (believe it or not) so I’m giving them a chance. Here is the College Girl’s Guide to the Newest Boy Bands…

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[Lead image via Roxana Gonzalez/Shutterstock]

Women have been obsessing over boy bands since the beginning of time. Our moms were in love with The Beatles and we spent our childhoods infatuated with *NSYNC. But what separates the Boybands of the ’90s from other boy bands throughout history is the fact that none of these Boybanders actually played an instrument. They existed solely on harmonies, synchronized dancing, and amazing abs.

Boybands like LFO, 98 Degrees, Hanson, O-Town, Backstreet Boys, and *NSYNC gave our prepubescent minds unrealistic expectations of how boys should sing, dance and look. (I mean…I’m still waiting for a crooner with frosted tips and rock hard abs to take my breath away.)

Being a child of the Boyband decade gave me a false understanding of men and here are the biggest man-misconceptions caused by our favorite Boybands of the ’90s:

initiating the gallery...

Dig your crop tops out of your closet, iron some patches on to your jean jacket, and sprinkle on some body glitter because we’re planning the ultimate ’90s Throwback Summer Festival.

It’s going to be hotter than Kate Winslet’s hand on a steamy car window and we’re here to give you an all-access pass to the excitement. We got stand-up comedian Joey Gladstone hosting the event, Alex Mac reciting the 10 things she hates about cliché ’90s movies, and Carl Winslow running the security team. And in between all that jam-packed action, we’re re-introducing your absolute favorite performers from the ’90s.

Contact us today (IluvZachMorris@AOL.com) to get details on how to win a cassette recording of the entire event.

Over on the Hip-Hop/Rock Stage we’ve got the creatively-named Coolio (Awesomeio!), the parent-approved-is-this-even-rap? Will Smith, and one-hit British wonder Chumbawhumba performing their greatest hits.

Take a left at the set of Never Been Kissed and you’ll run into our Tiger Beat section, otherwise known as our Boy Band Stage. Look for the long-haired-yet-somehow-sexually-appealing boys of Hanson; the A&F marketing team LFO; the wannabe Backstreet Boys, 98 Degrees; and fan favorites Jesse and the Rippers.

Head straight on until you pass the clearance sale on Jellies and you’ll see our ultimate Girl Power Stage. And no, Spice Girls won’t be performing. They said no more tours once Baby hit 40. Instead we have an all-star line-up that kicks off with a heartfelt and realistic duet between Brandy and Monica followed by a tribute to TLC. Last but not least, the least sexually provocative of the ’90s girls, Mandy Moore, will take the stage.

Of course this is just a dream (hey it could happen!) and is totes not happening this summer. But I think we all would gladly take this kind of summer festival over the wannabe-hippie drugfest that is Bonnaroo and the somehow-still-selling-out Dave Matthews concerts. So here’s to hoping we can pull it together for 2011. If so, you’ll definitely spot me in the back with my devil sticks, wearing my signature blue dress with the stain that just won’t come out!

[This story was originally posted by Jenni - Syracuse]

And of course, there are plenty more old faves where this came from.

Lately, it seems like celebrities are doing things in groups more than usual – one week it was engagements, the next week it was breaking up, and this week, it’s all about babies. Add in some relationship rumors and Britney making yet another comeback, and you’ve got a pretty good week for Hollywood.

A Snow Day Filled With Long Naps

1. Britney’s back, bitches! You didn’t expect her to be gone for long, did you? Britney released her amazing new single, ‘Hold It Against Me’ this week, and it immediately made it to the top of the iTunes charts AND broke radio records. It leaked on Monday afternoon, even though it was supposed to be released at midnight. I, for one, cannot wait for the music video. In more awesome Britney news, she’s rumored to be performing at the Grammys. Yet another reason to watch.

2. Kate Hudson and Owen Wilson are both having babies at the same time. With different people, obviously. Kate announced her unplanned pregnancy with her boyfriend, Matt Bellamy from Muse. I’m guessing this means no A-Rod reunion any time soon. Owen announced he was going to be a father on Monday, Jan. 11, with his girlfriend Jade Buell. Do I hear wedding bells in the future for either of them?

3. Jewel and Tia Mowry AND Selma Blair are pregnant also.At least these two of those three are married, right? Jewel announced her pregnancy with her husband Ty Murray shortly after Owen Wilson did, and Tia Mowry followed close behind. She’s expecting her first child with her husband Cory Hardrict. Congrats and please, let’s not all give them weird names.

4. Justin Bieber and Zac Efron will be among the presenters at the Golden Globes. In an effort to ensure that every teenage girl in America will watch the Golden Globes, they made this announcement. I have to admit I’m pretty excited about it. The Biebs and Zac BOTH presenting? Even though Justin has absolutely nothing to do with movies (although I’m sure he’ll star in one soon enough), this is a pretty good marketing ploy.

5. Are Ryan Philippe and Amanda Seyfried dating? The latest relationship gossip went from Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams, to Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock, and now to Ryan Phillippe and Amanda Seyfried. Any other single hot Ryan’s out there that need to be paired up with a cute actress? Anyway, the two have been spotted together looking adorable, and a source told People that “they’re really into each other”. They’d definitely have some cute blonde babies, that’s for sure.

A Snow Day Spent Catching Up On Work

1. You HAVE to watch these hilarious Golden Globe spoofs. Popeater.com put together this amazing list of spoofs of the best movies from 2010. These spoofs are actually hysterical, more so if you’ve seen the movie, obviously. They’ve got Inception, The Social Network, Black Swan, The Fighter, The Town, and Toy Story 3. Ladies, keep yourselves entertained and ready for the Golden Globes.

2. Nicole Kidman admits to using Botox. Well, I mean… obviously.

3. Blake Lively is kind of the luckiest girl ever. She dated Penn Badgley, is pretty much Karl Lagerfeld’s muse, and has been romantically linked to Ryan Gosling, Ryan Reynolds, Adrian Grenier and now… Leonardo DiCaprio. The two were spotted together at a party and the rumors began. Life is just not fair sometimes.

4. A.J. McLean is going back to rehab. He didn’t give any reasons for checking himself back into rehab, but he’s been there twice already for substance abuse and drinking. Aw, A.J…..

5. Pretty Little Liars was picked up for a second season. If you’re not watching this show, please start. It’s kind of awesome.

Here are ten things you are definitely never too old for:

1. Glitter: Although you got away with wearing glittery lip gloss and questionable glittery eye shadows as a preteen, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a little glitz and glam now. Seriously, if Lady Gaga and Katy Perry can rock glitter on a daily basis, so can you. Not sure how to pull off glitter without looking like a five-year-old that got a little too crazy at the arts and crafts table? Add a glittery top coat to your nail polish or go for a subtle glitzy shimmer in your eyeshadow. Want to be a little over the top? Go for the gold in a metallic glittery shirt. Worst case scenario is that you look like a Claire’s employee. Best case: you look hot.

2. Pigtails: Preschoolers aren’t the only ones that can rock this look. While you probably don’t want to be known as “pigtail girl” around campus, going out with pigtails could be a fun and flirty alternative to your everyday hair. You probably had your pig tails pulled up high, so for a more-adult approach to this look that you’re never too old for — sport them lower. Also, pigtails work incredibly well when you’re working out.

3. Licking the bowl of batter: You know you did it when you were younger. Your mom baked a cake and you couldn’t keep your little hands out of the chocolately goodness. Go ahead — dip your finger in the mix. Or, just dig in with a spoon. Or don’t even cook the batter and just go after the cookie dough. You’re definitely not too old to enjoy any kind of sweets — baked or not. Go ahead, no one’s looking!

4. Sleeping With A Stuffed Animal: Just because you’re in college doesn’t mean you have to leave your favorite stuffed animal at home, you know the one that you have been sleeping with since you were two years old. While you probably shouldn’t bring your Beanie Baby collection and your CareBear stuffed animal set along with you, you don’t have to give up your best bed buddy entirely now that you’re 21. However, we do recommend you refrain from setting up your Polly Pockets on your dorm desk.

5. Reading Books For Girls: Who says that just because you’re an English major writing a thesis about Shakespeare’s heroines that you can’t appreciate your favorite book as a fourteen year old? Even though you aren’t writing essays about the importance of Harriet the Spy, it doesn’t mean you can’t go back to those old books you loved. Now that you’re older, maybe you’ll get something entire different out of them. Also, just because you never got the chance to read that Judy Blume novel you wanted to read, you don’t have to give up hope. Read it! No one will judge you reading a book for a high school girl. You can still feel young at heart with each turn of the page.

6. Disney Movies: Every group of girls should at least have a Disney night throughout their college career. Remember how you loved The Little Mermaid so much? Watch it. You don’t always have to watch rated-R movies and crappy comedies about bromances. For so many kids, Disney was a main staple, so chances are that you and your friends will all have your own opinions about the best movies and the best Disney princesses.

7. Calling Your Parents: So you had a bad day in class — call your mom and cry about it. Although you may feel silly calling your mom to cry when you’re away at college, it’s not silly at all. You used to do it all the time, back in the days of glittery lip gloss and tutus. Not only will you feel better to be consoled by your mom or dad, you will make your parents feel like you still need them. In fact, call your parents frequently. I’m not talking about every day, but check in and say hi. Just because you’re out of the house doesn’t mean you can’t count on them. However, I think it’s safe to say that the one time you shouldn’t call your parents is when you’re drunk…all you need is one slurred word and they’ll have campus safety on the lookout for you.

8. Top 40 Hits: Just because it’s 2010 and the Backstreet Boys haven’t had a major hit in a few years doesn’t mean you can’t rock your body and sing along to “I Want It That Way.” In fact, you’re never too old for top 40 hits from back in the day. Remember when Britney was a school girl with pigtails? If not, you should re-vist this because no matter how grown up you are, pop music can still make you feel whatever age you were when it was a hit. Instant nostalgia anytime, courtesy of iTunes and the radio!

9.  Old TV Shows: You are never too old to go back and re-watch TV series’ such as Boy Meets World, The Adventures of Pete and Pete, and Clarissa Explains It All. In fact, you’re never too old to indulge in the drama of your favorite coming-of-age WB (remember when it was called the WB?) shows such as Dawson’s Creek, Felicity, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. While these shows might be a blast from the past, it doesn’t mean you can’t watch them with as much glee as you once did.

10. Saying “When I Grow Up”: Just because you’re “grown up” now doesn’t mean you can’t think of the future and what you want it to bring you. With the same vigor that you possessed when you were dying for your mom to paint your nails, get excited about the future and when you “grow up.” Don’t be scared to say things like “I’ll get botox when I grow up” and “I can’t wait to grow up and not drink boxed wine.”

Forget the iPad, iPhone, iPod, and any other device that starts with a lowercase i, because today is all about celebrating the CD player. For those that may have forgotten, it was the bulky device we shoved in our JanSports as we rode the bus to elementary school. The one that came with a 10-pound binder, filled with discs (most of which only contained 2 or 3 songs we actually wanted to listen to).

In honor of nostalgia and the beloved CD player, the device that not too long ago provided us with much needed musical entertainment (and frustrated us with scratches and skips), it’s time to look back at the greatest CDs to ever spin violently inside. Well more like the CDs that made me force my mom to forget the carpool kids and go straight to the store. Because if I wasn’t playing all the chart topping hits from TRL, I was sitting alone at lunch.

No Strings Attached, 2000, *NSYNC: Every generation has a big decision to make that will change their lives forever. For us, it was choosing between BSB and *NSYNC. And my loyalties lay with JT. So I covered every inch of white in my room with posters of the oh so dreamy and so much cooler, Justin, JC, Joey, Lance, and Chris. So when the boys that stole my 2^nd grade heart, singing about tearin’ up hearts in matching white shirts, announced the release of a new album, I could barely contain my excitement. And with doll versions of themselves singing about going Bye, Bye, Bye and proclaiming It’s Gonna Be Me, the album definitely didn’t disappoint.

Oops!… I Did It Again, 2000, Britney Spears: Rewind ten years, back to the time when Britney wasn’t walking barefoot in gas stations, shaving her head, and having quickie weddings. A time when she was hanging out in school gyms dressed barely-there-inappropriate outfits, singing about getting hit with signs, one more time. So when the time came for my favorite pop princess to come out with something new, I was thrilled. And from being stronger than yesterday to the fact that even a star had reason to cry, cry, cry, this Britney album taught elementary school me A LOT.

The Eminem Show, 2002, Eminem: Now this album wasn’t one I could ask my parents for. In fact had they known that I spent my free time listening to strings of curse words (as my dad not-so-lovingly referred to it), I would probably have never seen a CD player again. But from acting up in mental institutions to the bleach blonde hair, no one could deny the draw of Slim Shady. And once my favorite rapper’s (and only rapper I knew at the time) CDs starting playing in my good old CD player, I realized exactly what he meant in Without Me; the world’s just different without Eminem and not in a good way.

Spiceworld, 1997, Spice Girls: From buying tens of hundred of lollipops to collect all the possible stickers to performing as them in my third grade talent show, the Spice Girls had me hypnotized. And being a Spice Girl fanatic, my world became complete with the release of Spiceworld. Till this day I believe that people of the world just need to slam it the left and shake it to the right and spice up their life.

So with that, thank you, CD player; you were responsible for the soundtrack to my childhood and for that I’ll be forever grateful.

[Got something awesome everyone needs to know about? A really rad singer? A wicked new book? The key to collegiate success? Email your “The Know” ideas to Jill@collegecandy.com or tweet me and I’ll pass them along to everyone right here, every week. Make your kindergarten teacher proud and share!]

It’s no secret that my iPod is a home for all things Backstreet Boys. Teeny-bopper music has become a staple in my life since, well, the ’90s. And if it wasn’t for my friends filling me in on new artists (or Ben Savage sharing brand new songs), I would probably still only be listening to Ace of Base and O-Town. (And if it wasn’t for Apple, I would probably still be listening to them on my Discman.)

But now, the geniuses at Apple have jumped on the social networking bandwagon and I will no longer need stars of TGIF emailing me new songs in order to stay up to date with amazing new jams.

Enter: Ping, Apple’s new music social network that lives right in your iTunes. Just like Twitter, you can follow and be followed so you can see what others are listening to and they can see what you’ve recently downloaded as well (if you choose to be public).

The idea behind Ping is that not only will you be able to see what your BFFAEs are listening to, but also celebs, total randos, and, even better, the music that your favorite musicians are into. Loving Bruno Mars? Well now you can see what he loves too. Sa-weeeet.

Ping is feed-based like FB and Twitter; you can post videos, photos, comments, opinions or songs—and comment on all of those things. But here’s the best part: posted songs are buyable with just one click!

And there’s even more fabulousness: in the iTunes Store you’ll see recent activity from your friends and the people you wish were your friends (aka the various artists you might be following), thus exposing you to all sorts of music you wouldn’t have known about anyway. Plus, you’ll have custom song and album charts populated by what you and your besties are listening to the most. And if you’re looking at an artist, you can see their upcoming concerts, including the ones going on near you.

It’s like they KNOW you.
Finally, someone (or something?) who totes gets you. And your musical tastes.

Oh, and it’s also available on the iPhone and iPod touch!

This is great for music lovers looking for music you’ve never heard before or for those of us stuck listening to what we know and love and could use a little bit of guidance in the realm of new tunes. And that is one big, fat reason why Ping is worth knowing about.

Got something awesome everyone needs to know about? A really rad singer? A wicked new book? The key to collegiate success? Email your “The Know” ideas to Jill@collegecandy.com or tweet me and I’ll pass them along to everyone right here, every week. Make your kindergarten teacher proud and share!

Prepare to pee a little bit. Don’t worry – it’s totally worth it. I promise.

Your teenage dream is about to come true, and I am not talking about a breathy Katy Perry song.

I don’t know if someone in the music world saw our ‘90s bracket or our ’90s music festival fantasy and got inspired, or if someone out there (The Big Man Upstairs) decided to reward all of us 20-somethings, but Backstreet is BACK. And this time, they’re bringing the Right Stuff with them (pun very much intended).

That’s right, ladies (and gents who happen to care): Backstreet Boys AND New Kids on the Block are hitting the road together as early as March 2011.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Insert teenybopper scream here.]

I mean, let’s face it – Beiber Fever has NOTHING on Boy Band Pandemonium. Even if we have aged, learned how to straighten our hair, ditched the Rachel Green haircut and platform sneakers and stopped using a Disc Man/Walkman (or Napster) to listen to our favorite BSB/NKOTB tunes, we are a faithful bunch who still love our now aging teenage heart throbs as if we were still 13 and thought that Nick Carter was actually going to marry us. Swoon.

In case you don’t keep up on all things BSB/New Kids, The Backstreet Boys surprised New Kids fans this past summer at NKOTB’s sold out show, and the screams were piercing as both bands sang “I Want It That Way.” And apparently they (and Live Nation) realized, we do want it that way. (Once again, pun totes intended.)

Live Nation (who is allegedly sponsoring this tour from heaven) is said to be looking for a third boy band to join in on the festivities. Will it by N*SYNC? 98 Degrees? LFO?? Whoever it is, there is going to be a whole lot of vintage bedazelled ’80s/’90s boy band gear going on, which will be nothing short of one amazing fashion disaster (a.k.a. pure fabulousness).

And I am having a hard time waiting for it.

Is it March 2011 yet?!

[Photo courtesy of Jezebel.com.]

Polls are closed on this portion of the bracket, but vote on Pastimes and Events right here.

It might be 2010, but here at CollegeCandy we’re still stuck in the ’90s. All you have to do is say Chumbawhumba and we’re off and running on a ’90s nostalgia debate that lasts the entire day. We know we’re not the only people out there that still rock out to N’Sync and still remember the desperation you felt when you lost your favorite Pogs slammer. So instead of constantly arguing amongst the CollegeCandy team, we decided to throw the question out to our readers and choose, once and for all, what is the best thing to come from the ’90s (besides our many devoted readers, of course).

So, in the fashion of every guy’s wet dream, March Madness, we’ve created an “I Love the ’90s” bracket. Today we’re voting on the best of entertainment and trends from our favorite decade, and on Thursday we’ll narrow down our ’90s pastimes and events. Keep checking back every Monday and Thursday this month so you can keep letting us know what is the best thing to ever come from the 1990 and beyond.

P.S. We know, we know – we’re missing a lot. It was a hard decision narrowing it down to 64 awesome things and we’re still upset that there’s no face-off between Britney and Christina. Did we miss something major? Let us know in the comments.

Get an up-close and personal look at Entertainment and Trends.
And take a little sneak peek at what you’ll be voting on (Recreation and Events) Thursday.

Ready to vote? Pick your favorite from each match-up below. We’ll tally the scores and let you know who won when we gear up for the next round of votes on Thursday! And don’t forget to take a trip down memory lane and sound off in the comments!

Dig your crop tops out of your closet, iron some patches on to your jean jacket, and sprinkle on some body glitter because we’re planning the ultimate ’90s Throwback Summer Festival.

It’s going to be hotter than Kate Winslet’s hand on a steamy car window and we’re here to give you an all-access pass to the excitement. We got stand-up comedian Joey Gladstone hosting the event, Alex Mac reciting the 10 things she hates about cliché ’90s movies, and Carl Winslow running the security team. And in between all that jam-packed action, we’re re-introducing your absolute favorite performers from the ’90s.

Contact us today (IluvZachMorris@AOL.com) to get details on how to win a cassette recording of the entire event.

Over on the Hip-Hop/Rock Stage we’ve got the creatively-named Coolio (Awesomeio!), the parent-approved-is-this-even-rap? Will Smith, and one-hit British wonder Chumbawhumba performing their greatest hits.

Take a left at the set of Never Been Kissed and you’ll run into our Tiger Beat section, otherwise known as our Boy Band Stage. Look for the long-haired-yet-somehow-sexually-appealing boys of Hanson; the A&F marketing team LFO; the wannabe Backstreet Boys, 98 Degrees; and fan favorites Jesse and the Rippers.

Head straight on until you pass the clearance sale on Jellies and you’ll see our ultimate Girl Power Stage. And no, Spice Girls won’t be performing. They said no more tours once Baby hit 40. Instead we have an all-star line-up that kicks off with a heartfelt and realistic duet between Brandy and Monica followed by a tribute to TLC. Last but not least, the least sexually provocative of the ’90s girls, Mandy Moore, will take the stage.

Of course this is just a dream (hey it could happen!) and is totes not happening this summer. But I think we all would gladly take this kind of summer festival over the wannabe-hippie drugfest that is Bonnaroo and the somehow-still-selling-out Dave Matthews concerts. So here’s to hoping we can pull it together for 2011. If so, you’ll definitely spot me in the back with my devil sticks, wearing my signature blue dress with the stain that just won’t come out!