Backstreet Boys To Open 2013 MDA Show Of Strength Telethon Labor Day Weekend

TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Get ready for a "Larger than Life" performance when the Backstreet Boys open the 48th annual MDA Show of Strength Telethon this Labor Day weekend on Sunday, 9/8c, on ABC television stations across the country.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130901/DC72508 )
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130813/DC63041LOGO )

The multiplatinum group of A. J. McLean, Howie Dorough, Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson and Brian Littrell will perform their newest single "In A World Like This" from their eighth studio album and nationwide tour of the same name. (Click here for Hi Res photos of the Backstreet Boys' performance and exclusive behind-the-scenes telethon shots.)

In addition to their new song, the group will treat the viewing audience to a BSB classic when they launch into one of the most popular hits of their 20-year career, "I Want It That Way."

"Performing at an event like the MDA telethon has a much deeper meaning to us now that we all have families or children of our own," said Brian Littrell. "When I met the families at the show, I made sure to tell them that their children are an inspiration to all of us, and I encouraged them to be strong, and to continue to hold their loved ones close and fight together. We hear that research for many of these diseases is moving at an incredible pace, so we all agree that we'll continue to do our part to help MDA keep moving forward in its search for treatments and cures."

In addition to the Backstreet Boys performance, the 2013 telethon will feature a star-studded celebrity lineup, including: Ryan Seacrest; Paula Abdul; country stars Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker and Lee Ann Womack; Enrique Iglesias; teenage pop sensation Austin Mahone; "Glee" star Matthew Morrison; hip-hop dance crew Jabbawockeez; "American Idol" runner-up Jessica Sanchez; Kenny Loggins with the Blue Sky Riders; American blues rock band Vintage Trouble; and Universal recording artist and star from "The Voice" Chris Mann.

Additional presenters for the 2013 show include: ABC's Dr. Richard Besser; "Dancing with the Stars" contestant and "Brady Bunch" mom Florence Henderson; Emmy award-winning journalist Jann Carl; Olympic gold medal gymnasts Nadia Comaneci and Bart Conner; and No Doubt drummer Adrian Young and his son Mason Young.

About MDA Show of Strength Telethon
The MDA telethon is one of America's longest-standing and beloved fundraising and entertainment events. For 48 years, funds raised by MDA telethons also have contributed to the organization's worldwide research program. Today, through current clinical trials, there is growing excitement that new lifesaving treatments and discoveries are on the horizon for many of the disorders MDA is dedicated to defeating, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).          

As in the past, the entertainment event will raise funds and awareness to support MDA's mission to help children and adults affected by progressive and often fatal muscle diseases.

While the telethon has consistently enjoyed robust support from some of the biggest celebrities in show business, the real stars on the telethon are the individuals and families served by MDA.

MDA's first Labor Day weekend telethon was broadcast in 1966 on a single New York station and has become the most successful fundraising event in the history of television. The show, with Jerry Lewis as its iconic host through 2010, and with help from a legion of top celebrities and entertainers, has raised millions each year to provide life-enhancing support and services for the families MDA serves.

Visit mda.org/muscle to learn more about the 2013 MDA telethon.

About MDA
The Muscular Dystrophy Association is the world's leading nonprofit health agency dedicated to finding treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neuromuscular diseases. It does so by funding worldwide research; by providing comprehensive health care services and support to MDA families nationwide; and by rallying communities to fight back through advocacy, fundraising and local engagement. Visit mda.org and follow us at facebook.com/MDAnational and @MDAnews.

SOURCE Muscular Dystrophy Association