Battle of the Supergroups

THE BACKSTREET BOYS and 'N Sync have both captured the hearts of Young America -- but which one is really the biggest boys band on the block?

In one corner is the older, more established Backstreet Boys -- heartthrobs Kevin Richardson, 28, Howie Dorough, 26, Brian Littrell, 25, A.J. McLean, 22, and Nick Carter, 19. With two albums selling a record-breaking 10 million copies, the Boys believe they are the kingpins of teen tunes.

Not so fast. In another corner are the young upstarts of 'N Sync -- pinups Chris Kirkpatrick, 28, Joey Fatone Jr., 23, J.C. Chesez, 22, Lance Bass, 22 and Justin Timberlake, 19. The group's debut album also sold 10 million copies, and its new record "No Strings Attached" is a shoo-in to do the same.

Both are handsome quintets out of Orlando, Fla., with flawless five-part harmonies and fun- loving attitudes to match. Both acts were discovered by media mogul Louis Pearlman, and both are currently recording for Jive Records.

Parents say they can barely tell them apart, but don't tell that to their teenybopper kids. Teens battle it out on their respective idols' websites -- praising Nick while panning Justin, yelling "yay!" for JC and "yech!" for Kevin.

Teenyboppers across America wept uncontrollably at the news that Backstreet Boys Richardson and Littrell had announced their engagements. And a New York radio station recently grabbed a half-eaten piece of French toast off 'N Sync hottie Timberlake's breakfast plate -- and promptly auctioned it off for more than $1,000.

What do the experts say?

"I definitely prefer the Backstreet Boys," says Cindy Horner, editor of teen-- oriented Right On! Magazine: "I think they're a little more professional and seasoned as performers. They just seem to carry themselves better.

"Their photos, I also feel, are better -- they're classy and well-done. I'm not as crazy about 'N Sync -- a lot of their photo shoots are kind of campy."

But noted music critic Jim Hebler tells Star he believes 'N Sync are the superior artists.

Says Hebler: " 'N Sync have a more disciplined approach on stage, their five-part harmonies are flawless, and they take a lot more chances with their choreography. I like their feel-good, tongue-in-cheek photo image -- they have fun with it. 'N Sync is also more teen-oriented. They connect better to the audience that they're trying to appeal to.

"The Backstreet Boys look too mature and seem to take themselves too seriously.

"Both groups should have good, long careers. But in the end, I bet that 'N Sync will be more fondly remembered."

For their part, the young men in the two supergroups try to downplay the rivalry. Says Backstreet's Howie: "It's a friendly competition. We see them at awards shows, and we're cool with each other. They do their thing, and we do our own thing."

Still, the rivalry looks to be heating up. Backstreet Boy Nick recently told MTV News he believes 'N Sync has ridden on his group's coattails. And angry Joey from 'N Sync shot back that he believes the Backstreets are a prefabricated group, created by Pearlman, while 'N Sync put their group together themselves."

But ultimately, the fans will decide the winner.

BACKSTREET BOYS OR 'N SYNC?
Star Mag