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New Kids on the Block Draw Strong Online Criticism After AMAs Return

A Las Vegas–style staging at the awards promoted their new album 'Still Kids' and an upcoming Park MGM residency.

Overview

  • The five original members of New Kids on the Block performed a live medley at the American Music Awards on Monday, delivering “You Got It (The Right Stuff)” with choreography, matching black suits and pyrotechnics.
  • The AMAs set used a Las Vegas backdrop and classic moves to spotlight the band’s current campaign for their album 'Still Kids' and a residency titled 'The Right Stuff Remixed' at Dolby Live at Park MGM.
  • Social media users criticized the performance for the singers’ age and what some called reduced vocal authenticity, with posts comparing their set to other AMAs acts that faced lip-syncing accusations.
  • The residency has confirmed dates beginning June 19, 2026 through July 4, 2026 and additional dates in October 2026, and the group has framed the run as a way to keep performing while celebrating their legacy.
  • NKOTB’s AMAs return highlights a common path for legacy acts: using televised nostalgia to sell albums and residencies even as online reaction tests how legacy fandom translates to today’s live-audio expectations.