98 Degrees heat up a cold night

TORONTO--The sweet harmony of 98 Degrees filled a small studio on Queen Street for MuchMusic's Intimate and Interactive tonight.

Jeff, Nick, Justin and Drew, looking every bit their heartthrob selves in matching white sweaters, wowed female audience members with their slick harmonies and personal opinions.

Publicity personnel at MuchMusic said some female fans had camped out all Wednesday night, hoping to catch a glimpse of the group in person. When the boys arrived, the ear-piercing shrieking shook the studio and caused some younger girls to cover their ears. Some girls were so excited they were on the verge of tears.

The group rushed out onto the studio floor and picked things up with their lively single "Heat It Up," following that crowd-pleaser up with "Because of You" and "I Do (Cherish You)".

In between songs, the boys took questions from fans all over Canada who had submitted their queries through email or Speaker's Corner. One particularly enthusiastic fan asked if the boys would take of their shirts to prove who had the best chest. But, audience members were disappointed when the boys refused.

"It was just Thanksgiving and we all ate like pigs," they explained.

When asked what sets them apart from other super-popular bands like 'N Sync, 3 Deep and the Backstreet Boys, the band members explained they like and admire those groups but they do stand apart from them.

"We're different in our musical taste and style," they said.

When the boys sang, what seemed to set them apart from other bands were their strong voices and flawless harmony. Unaccompanied by a band or taped vocals, the boys crooned a chorus from their Christmas single "This Gift" for the cold fans standing outside MuchMusic. Their singing was strong and clear and the eager fans shouted: "Drew, Drew!" or "Justin!" and sung along.

The first song 98 Degrees sung outside for the street audience were "Still" which was followed by the short but sweet "Is It Enough" (done without a back-up band) and finished off with "Invisible Man" which band-mamber Justin, said was the song that best described him.

Watching all the young girls look lovingly on the band brought up the question "How do you feel about being role models?"

"It's a big responsibility," the boys answered. "People look at us as role models. But we're very spiritual and have high morals so we feel comfortable [being role models]".

And how does such a busy musical act keep up relationships with girlfriends (Nick is supposedly dating Jessica Simpson after all)?

"It's tough," said Nick. "We live 98 Degrees 24 hours a day. We have expensive phone bills."

But Nick also said all of the boys' family and friends understand that their budding musical career takes up a lot of their time.

A lucky audience member, Brenda, was declared the ultimate 98 fan and got to have her picture taken with the group. Brenda was so excited she shook and couldn't stop giggling.

After questions, the boys sung "Do You Wanna Dance" and did a version of Stevie Wonder's "Superstition".

The hour and a half special ended all too quickly for fans who stared in awe as 98 Degrees finished off the night with "The Hardest Thing", "True to Your Heart" and a rendition of their new holiday single "This Gift," complete with falling snow.

Representatives from Universal Music said the boys were heading home tomorrow to enjoy a much deserved break and fans can expect a new album next year.