Backstreet Boys shunned label

The Backstreet Boys used to find the term boyband "derogatory".

A. J. McLean, Howie Dorough, Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson and Brian Littrell make up the group, which has gone through several changes over the years.

Kevin left the band in 2006, but has now returned and the lads are busy promoting their new album In a World Like This.

While they enjoy being labelled a boyband now, it hasn't always been the case.

"We weren't before, because it was used as a derogatory term," A.J. admitted to the British edition of OK! magazine.

"But we're fine with it now... People needed a little break from us. They were a bit tired of the boyband genre."

The Backstreet Boys enjoyed their heyday in the '90s and now range in age from 33 to 41.

However, they don't think being older will hold them back in any way.

"I was talking about this earlier actually and I started thinking about Take That. They're even bigger now than they were when they were younger," Brian said.

Nick added: "And the way the UK embraced their return was amazing. I hope people will be the same with us!"

Boybands have come back in full force recently thanks to groups such as One Direction and The Wanted.

Having experienced the industry for quite some time, the Backstreet Boys believe only time will tell if their successors can last.

"With loyal fans, though, anything is possible," Nick smiled.