Okay, in all seriousness, forget One Direction and the Wanted because Backstreet’s back, alright! Kevin Richardson, who announced six years ago that he was parting ways with BSB, has just announced that he will be recording with the boys and is officially on board for their new album! Well, he did announce he was rejoining the group back in April but … be still our 13-year-old hearts nonetheless.

“We all discussed, we want this to be a personal record,” said Richardson to MTV News. “We want it to be authentic to us and who we are and where we’re at in our lives. … We want to talk about the things that are relevant in our life, and we want to be authentic and make a great record that we’re proud of, and that’s kind of where we’re starting.”

The new album has been in the works for several months, but it will actually end up celebrating a huge milestone in the band’s career. The Backstreet Boys are set to (finally!!) receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2013. ”Our 20 year anniversary is coming up … and it feels good, it feels right,” said Richardson, also adding that receiving a star is a “great honor.”

Recording was finally underway in London on July 9, and BSB made sure to tweet their excitement. ”First day in London working on our next album has already been amazing,” read the tweet. “So much great new music out here. This is gonna be fun!” Gird your loins, everyone! Us 20-somethings are getting a second BSB wind!

Listen to Kevin’s Interview with MTV

More From KISS FM 96.9