Teenage dream: Leslie Morris sings on stage with iconic boy band
Leslie Morris takes the stage with New Kids on the Block
It was a moment years in the making. Leslie Morris, a self-proclaimed “OG fan” of New Kids on the Block, found herself on stage this summer, singing alongside the iconic boy band. And to think, it all started when she was just six years old.
“I was so young to be an OG fan, but they were my first concert in Huntsville. We were in the last row of the arena and back then there were no screens, so they looked like ants,” Morris said, recalling her earliest memories of New Kids on the Block. Fast forward to two years ago when she reconnected with the group, taking her cousin to see them perform for her 50th birthday.
This summer, Morris, now a seasoned fan, had already seen the group four times this year, including a stop in Franklin, Tenn. on the band’s Magic Summer Tour 2024.
But nothing compared to the unforgettable experience of meeting the band during a special meet-and greet event, which drew more than 200 excited fans.
“It was surreal. During the meet-and-greet, no one else raised their hand when they asked if anyone knew the lyrics to Summertime,” she said.
Called on stage from the crowd, Morris flawlessly rapped the first verse of the Grammy-winning hit, earning cheers and applause from the audience.
After her performance, Morris received hugs from the New Kids and high fives from DJ Jazzy Jeff before returning to her seat.
Despite the overwhelming nerves, Morris was welcomed with open arms by the band, who showed her nothing but kindness. “They were extremely sweet to me, hugged me afterward, and said I did a good job,” she shared.
Even more surreal was the overwhelming support she received after stepping off stage. As she made her way back to her car, more than 100 people approached her to offer congratulations. To her surprise, some of the fans were even from her hometown of Hartselle.
For Morris, this was more than just a concert experience. Singing and rapping on stage in front of thousands of people was a moment she describes as “surreal and unforgettable.” “It’s every fan’s dream to meet their idols, and I got to perform with mine,” she said. “I’m still pinching myself.”
