|PIC1|Award-winning Christian artist Brian Littrell- also known as a member of pop group Backstreet Boys- continues to make waves in Japan, where he performed four sold-out shows last week, one with a surprise visit from his cousin, former Backstreet Boy, Kevin Richardson.

"Kevin is currently with the cast of Chicago, which is performing in Tokyo," says Littrell. "I went to see him on Sunday night, and then on Monday, he came to my show. He surprised the audience by walking on stage and joining me in singing, 'I Want It That Way'.
The crowd went crazy. It was a great moment."

Littrell received an overwhelming welcome from capacity crowds at his two shows in Tokyo, along with his performances in Osaka and Nagoya.

After returning to the States on Saturday, Littrell will immediately return to writing for his next solo album, and finish up the next Backstreet Boys album which is due out this summer.

Littrell, a member of the multi-million selling superstar pop group, Backstreet Boys, scored his first Dove Award at last year's show in the Inspirational Recorded Song category for his hit single, "In Christ Alone". This chart-topping track was recorded for the WoW #1's project, and was Littrell's first foray into the Christian market.

This year, Littrell is competing in the Short Form Music Video category for his clip "Welcome Home (You)", a video supporting the hit song off his debut solo album, Welcome Home.

Littrell will also co-host the 38th Gospel Music Association Dove Awards with Dove-winning artists Natalie Grant and Donnie McClurkin, on April 25 in Nashville, Tennessee.

For more information on Brian Littrell, go to www.brianlittrell.com.