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New Kids On The Block in Dallas: They still have the right stuff 

It's been an incredible 28 years since New Kids on the Block became teenage heartthrobs with catchy singles such as "Please Don't Go Girl" and "You've Got It (The Right Stuff)." All five original members -- Joey McIntyre, Jordan Knight, Donnie Wahlberg, Danny Wood and Jonathan Knight -- appeared from the fog at Dallas' American Airlines Center to perform the songs they've been singing for most of their lives.

Paula Abdul and Boyz II Men opened the evening, making this the ultimate throwback concert of the summer.

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In coordinating black-and-gold outfits, NKTOB strutted through extensive choreography and sang the layered harmonies that made them famous. Fan favorite Jordan Knight took the lead on most tracks, delivering his peaking falsetto and flashy smile. The guys spread out around the arena during "Remix (I Like The)" and "Block Party," making it more of a celebration than a concert. Wahlberg switched his signature flat brim for a cowboy hat as he became the amicable host for the evening.

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He stopped the party to honor the victims of the recent bombing at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, on Monday, exclaiming, "They can't take our freedom!" Fans held up peace signs in remembrance as a Union Jack in the shape of a heart lit up the screens.

Then came an evening of onstage antics: Wahlberg stood atop a fiery piano as he belted out a solo, following showers of confetti and streamers that fell on energetic fans who were singing along to every word. NKOTB lovingly embraced the past, showing pictures from the band's first album and music videos throughout its career. What differentiates this group from other '90s boy bands is how they've released new albums past their prime and reinvented themselves as grown men.

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Tracks such as "Summertime" and "Single" came out 20 years after NKOTB's debut album, and they give nostalgic fans a chance to relive their youth and see their teen idols onstage. The show occasionally got cheesy, with flashy strip teases and oversexualized dance moves. On the whole, though, NKOTB has revived their brand without sacrificing their style or sound.

Paula Abdul sang and danced her chart-topping hits, including "Straight Up" and "Opposites...
Paula Abdul sang and danced her chart-topping hits, including "Straight Up" and "Opposites Attract."(Jae S. Lee / Staff Photographer)

Just before the encore, McIntyre sang his heart out on the song that started it all: "Please Don't Go Girl." He dropped to his knees for the rafters-reaching notes after reminiscing about the single that changed his life forever.

Abdul commanded the stage, too, after 20 years away. Clad in short, sequined dresses and flowy ensembles, Abdul showed off her figure and signature dance moves for chart-topping singles "Straight Up" and "Opposites Attract." Engaging and uplifting, the '80s and '90s sweetheart shared snippets of her life throughout the 30-minute set, which felt more like a theatrical performance than a concert.

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Inside Paula Abdul's Dallas performance:

Inside Boyz II Men's Dallas performance: