Brian Littrell began singing as a child in church. His cousin, Kevin Richardson, moved to Orlando, Florida, during Littrell's teenage years. Kevin had gone to Orlando to find a job in the entertainment industry; after being chosen as one of the Backstreet Boys, he recommended his cousin Brian to the band members and management. Brian was convinced by Kevin to go to Florida and audition. Soon, he was chosen as the fifth member of the band. The Backstreet Boys began to gain fame in 1995; by 1998, the group had teenaged female fans around the world.