The Backstreet Boys surprised Drake at his 40th birthday party in New York City, and he joined them onstage to sing "I Want It That Way." It happened on October 23, 2026 at Casa Cipriani. It's also not the first time he's sung that song with them. Here's what happened at the party and how the 2022 moment set it up.
Watch Drake and Backstreet Boys Perform 'I Want It That Way'
Drake and Backstreet Boys Perform 'I Want It That Way' at Drake's 40th Birthday
What Happened at Drake's Birthday Party at Casa Cipriani?
- Where: Casa Cipriani in New York City
- When: October 23, 2026
- Who surprised him: the Backstreet Boys
- The song: "I Want It That Way," their 1999 hit
According to TMZ, the group performed at the party and Drake joined them onstage for the singalong. As they walked out, he reacted with "Oh my God." Kevin Richardson also spoke about connecting with Drake before the set.
Reports differ on how long the set was. TMZ describes a performance plus the shared song, so we can't say if it was a full show.
Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson and Howie Dorough were photographed arriving at the party, per Complex.
How Big Was the Party? Guests, Gifts, and the $1 Million Game
The night was built like a game show. TMZ says guests played a "Deal or No Deal"-style game with prizes of up to $1 million, plus luxury giveaways.
Reports say more than 400 guests came, and gifts included Chanel and Hermès handbags. That number comes from one outlet, Just Jared, so treat it as a report, not a confirmed count.
Has Drake Sung With the Backstreet Boys Before?
Yes. In July 2022, Drake joined the Backstreet Boys onstage at Budweiser Stage in Toronto and sang "I Want It That Way" with them.
He told the crowd that night that he had danced to the song at his bar mitzvah. So this year's party moment looks like a full-circle callback to that story.
Vice reports his birthday week began in Toronto, where he met friends at the CN Tower. We haven't been able to confirm that detail ourselves.
(More: how Drake reaches Gen Alpha, Gen Z and millennials.)
Did Drake Just Break an RIAA Record for Certifications?
Possibly. One search summary of a Billboard story says Drake received 30 new RIAA certifications on October 23. It also says that made him the first artist past 350 million certified units.
If it holds up, it's a big number for a birthday week. Certified units count album and song sales and streams, and each certification marks a sales milestone.
What Else Is Drake Doing This Month?
Nothing else about his next move was in the reports we checked, so we won't guess at a tour or an album. For new music, see what he's put out this month.
(More: Drake's FOMO songs and where to stream them.)
Listen to Drake on VibeSynced
Drake's sound is moody, late-night and built for headphones. These scenes fit it best. Tap one to jump straight into the app with that particle already running.
Or try
Drake 40th Birthday FAQ
Did the Backstreet Boys really perform at Drake's 40th birthday?
Yes. TMZ reports the group performed at Casa Cipriani on October 23, 2026, and Drake joined them onstage for "I Want It That Way."
Where was Drake's birthday party?
It was at Casa Cipriani in New York City. Reports say more than 400 guests attended.
Why does Drake sing "I Want It That Way"?
In 2022 he told a Toronto crowd he had danced to it at his bar mitzvah. He sang it with the Backstreet Boys that night too.
Is the Drake RIAA record confirmed?
Not yet. A search summary of a Billboard story says he passed 350 million certified units, but we couldn't verify it.
- ◉Live visualizers
- ♪Synced lyrics
- ⚡︎No download
