The song appears on the country trio’s forthcoming collaboration album
Rascal Flatts have tapped Backstreet Boys to fulfill a dream collaboration both bands have had for years with “What Hurts the Most,” as two of the Y2K era’s defining groups join forces for the first time. Choosing one of the trio’s most heart-wrenching tunes for the highly-anticipated Life is a Highway: Refueled Duets album, Backstreet Boys help turn the epic country ballad into a vocal-driven masterclass of emotive, pop-country magic.
“We have a long history with them over the years. We have such respect for what those guys have been able to do and how they’ve influenced a whole generation of pop music,” says Jay DeMarcus. “We’re so proud of how this song turned out; this has been a collaboration we’ve talked about doing for years, and we’re so glad it finally came to fruition.”
The two groups are set to perform together in Frisco, Texas at the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards, dazzling the global audience with “What Hurts the Most” and a musical surprise or two. Rascal Flatts will appear as Group of the Year nominees for the 12th time – with this year’s nod coming on the heels of wrapping their nearly sold-out Life Is a Highway Tour. Hosted by Reba McEntire, the 60th ACM Awards will stream live exclusively on Prime Video Thursday, May 8th at 8 pm ET from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.
Rascal Flatts’ much-anticipated collaboration album will be releasing June 6th via Big Machine Records. The project features nine reimagined, beloved Rascal Flatts hits – including the reminiscent fan-favorite “Mayberry” with Blake Shelton and the infectiously emotive “I’m Movin’ On” with Kelly Clarkson and record-breaking single “I Dare You” with Jonas Brothers, boasting an eclectic lineup of guest artists from all walks of life, each infusing their individual music styles to create all-new arrangements of timeless hits from the trio’s acclaimed catalogue.
