The Fresh Prince star dishes on her experiences touring with two of the biggest boy bands of the ’90s.

Tatyana Ali, best known for her iconic role as Ashley Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, recently opened up about her surprising connection to two of the biggest boy bands of the ’90s: NSYNC and Backstreet Boys. In a candid interview with People Magazine, ,Ali revealed that she had the opportunity to tour with both groups, offering a unique perspective on the boy band phenomenon.

“It was a wild time,” Ali admitted. “I was a young actress, and to be thrown into the world of pop music was a bit surreal. Both NSYNC and Backstreet Boys were incredibly talented and charismatic, and their fans were absolutely devoted.”

When asked about her preference between the two groups, Ali hesitated for a moment before admitting, “Honestly, I think I had a slightly stronger connection with NSYNC. They felt more like a family to me. We spent a lot of time together on the road, and they were always there to support each other.”

Ali also shared some of her favorite memories from the tours, including:

• Crazy fans: “The fan reactions were insane. There were times when we couldn’t even walk through airports without being mobbed. It was a bit overwhelming at times, but it was also incredibly exciting.”
• Behind-the-scenes antics: “The boys were always up to something. Whether it was playing pranks on each other or pulling all-nighters to watch movies, there was never a dull moment.”
• Life-changing experiences: “Touring with these bands was a life-changing experience. I got to travel the world, meet incredible people, and learn so much about the music industry.”

As Ali reflected on her ’90s adventures, she couldn’t help but express her gratitude for the opportunity. “I’m so grateful to have been a part of that era,” she said. “It was a magical time, and I’ll never forget the memories I made.”