#jamesmaslow

For those who don't know, the BTR boys have pretty much been touring and doing shows since their comeback in 2021. And have been touring every year since then. Some fans this wasn't their first time seeing them, for others like myself, the very first time. However, this year's tour really embraced the nostalgia full on like never before.

To anyone who came to a show this summer, the In Real Life Worldwide Tour, or the IRL Tour for short, seemed to heal everybody's inner child/younger selves moreso than the other tours. Everything from the production, to choreo, to the setlist (performing every song from the TV show) and even the openers - Stephen Glickman and Katelyn Tarver, aka Gustavo and Jo. The tour practically screams nostalgia: seeing fans come in tree hats, bandanas, DIY t-shirts, the official merch in the OG colors and the creative signs really showed the community and shared memories within the still growing fandom over the years. Bringing the 2010s reminiscent energy into the present 2025. Despite what had happened in the Wisconsin stop (and trying to make BTR round two happen for myself at Jones Beach - can't say I didn't try), seeing all the content, photos and videos, etc made me feel like I was there in person.

A few quotes from fellow YouTuber Johnny2000 (who covers a lot of the nostalgic 2000s kids shows from Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network growing up) while attending one of the tour stops in Philly said it the best: “Not only did the boys took the Big Time Rush IP and expanded into something different, they took the whole experience and made it into a whole new medium. They rebuilt & revived the TV show from the group up”. “With a concert like this felt more than I was just seeing a band, it was more of I was seeing a show that I was involved in a performance”, which I would share these exact sentiments as well if I actually went. With everything this tour had to offer so far, and from every word of mouth I'm hearing, the rushers had a blast & the cast & crew gave their all every night to make these shows happen and I applaud everybody involved for all the hard work. Additionally, seeing BTR selling out the Intuit Dome (a brand new LA arena) is huge. Couldn't be more proud and in awe and I know it was a milestone show for them. I can only hope the boys can do something similar with their newest music, and if you haven't heard yet, I recommend checking it out.

ANDROMEDA, BETTER known as Andi, didn't have the best childhood. Her parents had given her up for adoption when she was just a baby, so she grew up in foster homes and in orphanage facilities, and her life was filled with constant disappointment. She felt unwanted by everyone-her biological parents, the foster parents who only took her in because they received the state's check every month, and the other children at the various places she stayed. The adults told her all the time that she needed to act and behave, otherwise she would never be adopted.

So she learned to hide her emotions and put on a good front. She would tell the adults what they wanted to hear and do as she was told because she wanted a loving family, a real home, and she didn't want to have to move again. She felt like she never belonged. She tried not to let it get her down, but she always wondered why her parents didn't want her. Was she a mistake? Was there something wrong with her? She couldn't understand how a parent could abandon their own child. She thought that if they could just see her, spend some time with her, they would want her, and she would finally have a place where she fit in and was loved. But that never happened.

By the time she reached eight years old, she knew better than to get her hopes up. She realized the only person she could depend on was herself. That is until she got adopted by Kelly Wainwright. Kelly had been looking to adopt for several years. When she met Andi, she knew right away that Andi was the child she had been searching for. The instant connection she felt to Andi was overwhelming. She couldn't imagine not giving this little girl a home. At first, Andi wasn't sure if this was permanent or not. She just assumed that this was another foster home. But as the days and weeks went on, it became obvious that Kelly truly cared about her and that this was her forever home. So she slowly let her guard down, and when she was with Kelly, she felt the love that she had craved for so long. She finally felt wanted and accepted. Andi had always been a little spitfire. She had a strong will, and once she made up her mind about something, no one could talk her out of it.

Kelly saw a lot of herself in Andi, which is probably why she gravitated to her from the start. But Andi's stubbornness was a source of many arguments between the two. Andi was used to taking care of herself and wasn't accustomed to having someone else in her life that truly cared about her well-being. But Kelly was patient with her, and eventually, she came to trust and rely on her. They quickly fell into a comfortable routine and life was good. It was great actually. Throughout her life, music has been the one thing that has grounded Andi. It has been a way for her to express herself when she couldn't find the words.

Music has helped her through her darkest times, and it has brought her comfort and solace when she has been afraid. It has also helped her find her voice. Growing up, it was difficult for her to express herself, especially her emotions. There was always the fear that if she did, she would be rejected, so it was just easier to keep it inside. But over the years, music has been the one constant in her life. The one thing that has given her an outlet, allowing her to feel confident and empowered. She had always been a dreamer and she dreamt of becoming a famous musician. She would often imagine standing on stage in front of a huge crowd of screaming fans, singing her heart out and bringing them all to their feet. But deep down, she knew it was an unlikely dream. Mainly because no one knew she was a songwriter and she always was too shy to sing or play instruments in front of people. Even Kelly. But she soon realized with the help of four hockey players from Minnesota she didn't have to be afraid to put her dream in action. These four hockey players, the tall blonde haired one to be more specific, helps her not fade away and be the main attraction as she makes it shine.

SEASON 1

Big Time Auditions : part one , part two , part three , part four

Big Time School of Rocque : here

Big Time Crib : here

Big Time Bad Boy : here

Big Time Love Song : here

Big Time Photo Shoot : here

Big Time Demos : here

Big Time Dance : here

Big Time Sparks : here

Big Time Concerts : part one , part two

SEASON 2

Welcome Back Big Time : here

Big Time Live : here

Big Time Pranks : here

Big Time Songwriters : here

Andi's Big Time Dilemma (original chapter) : here

jmxherondale on Twitter.