Brian Littrell's Battle with Muscle Tension Dysphonia: A Look Behind the Scenes of His Struggles and Backstreet Boys' 2025 Residency.
Backstreet Boys star Brian Littrell is gearing up for an exciting 2025 residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas, but his ongoing battle with vocal health has been making headlines. The 50-year-old singer, known for his powerful voice and iconic performances, recently opened up about his long-term struggle with muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) and dystonia, conditions that have significantly impacted his ability to sing.
In a previously shared social media clip, Littrell gave fans a candid look into the physical challenges he faces daily. "It's an ongoing issue. I've been dealing with it ever since probably mid-way through the Backstreet Boys' New Kids On The Block tour," he shared. "That's when the symptoms kind of came up. It's called vocal tension dysphonia, where the muscles around my vocal cords kind of strangle me in a way and block the airflow."
What Is Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD)?
Muscle Tension Dysphonia is a vocal disorder that causes a strained and effortful voice, often leading to vocal fatigue and, in some cases, potential damage to the vocal folds if overused. In Littrell's case, the condition makes it difficult to maintain the smooth, powerful voice that fans have come to expect from the Backstreet Boys.
As Littrell described, the condition involves the muscles around the vocal cords tightening, which can prevent the voice from functioning properly. On top of this, Littrell also battles dystonia, a neurological condition that leads to uncontrolled muscle movements, sometimes causing painful spasms or cramps in the muscles involved in speech.
The combination of MTD and dystonia has made singing incredibly challenging for Littrell, but he remains committed to his passion for performing. "There's also another additional thing on top of that, it's called dystonia which is a neurological signal which your brain sends to your voice to work," he added.
Backstreet Boys: 2025 Residency and the Impact of Brian's Health Struggles
The Backstreet Boys, one of the best-selling boy bands of all time, are preparing for a highly anticipated summer 2025 residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas, where they will perform from July 11 through the 27. The residency marks a major milestone in the group's career, and Brian Littrell is set to be a part of it, despite his vocal health struggles.
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The group, known for their chart-topping hits and global success, is also celebrating the 25th anniversary of their iconic 1999 album, Millennium. As part of the celebrations, they will be re-releasing the album with 25 tracks, including demos, acoustic live songs, and a new single titled "Hey." However, with Brian’s health challenges, it remains to be seen how the star will manage such an intense performance schedule.
What Is Dystonia and How Does It Affect Brian?
Dystonia is a neurological disorder that causes muscles to contract uncontrollably, resulting in painful spasms or twisting motions. For Brian Littrell, this condition affects his ability to control the muscles used for singing, leading to unpredictable vocal performances. The symptoms of dystonia can range from spasms to entire body parts twisting into unusual positions, including the neck or feet.
While dystonia can be lifelong, treatment options are available to alleviate the symptoms, though they may not provide a permanent solution. The combination of MTD and dystonia creates a unique set of challenges for Littrell, particularly when it comes to maintaining his vocal ability.
Brian Littrell's Personal Life and Family
Despite the physical challenges, Brian has a strong support system in his family. He shares a son, Baylee Littrell, 22, with his wife, Leighanne Wallace, 55. The couple has been together since 2000, and their son has also followed in his father’s musical footsteps. The Littrell family's unwavering support has been crucial as Brian navigates his health challenges and continues his work with the Backstreet Boys.
Understanding Muscle Tension Dysphonia and Its Causes
The exact cause of MTD is not well understood, but several factors may contribute to its onset. According to the NHS, possible triggers include irritants such as upper respiratory infections, passive smoking, acid reflux (heartburn), excessive demand on the voice, and even stressful life events. It's often believed that multiple factors contribute to the development of the condition.
There are two types of MTD:
- Primary MTD – This occurs when the muscles in the neck become tense while using the voice, but no abnormalities are found in the larynx (voice box).
- Secondary MTD – This occurs when there is an abnormality in the voice box, forcing other muscles to overcompensate during speech production.
The Impact on Brian's Career and Future Performances
Despite the severity of his condition, Brian Littrell is determined to continue performing with the Backstreet Boys. The group has already made plans to bring their legendary Millennium album to life in a fresh way, with a new and improved version. Their upcoming 2025 Las Vegas residency will undoubtedly be a major event, but it is clear that Brian's health challenges will be a factor that both he and the band must navigate in the coming year.
With his commitment to the group and his fans, Brian’s journey highlights the resilience required of artists who face hidden health struggles, particularly those in the music industry. As the Backstreet Boys prepare for their 2025 residency, fans are hoping that Brian will continue to find the strength and support he needs to perform at his best, while also prioritizing his health.
