TODAY’S PAPER | October 25, 2026 | EPAPER

Drake celebrates 40th birthday with Backstreet Boys performance, Ferrari and $1 million giveaway

The rapper joined the Backstreet Boys members on stage and performed their hit 'I Want It That Way' with them


Pop Culture & Art October 25, 2026 1 min read
Photo: AFP

Drake marked his 40th birthday with a star-studded celebration in New York City, featuring a Backstreet Boys performance, a red Ferrari and luxury gifts for guests.

The rapper’s party took place at Casa Cipriani on Friday, October 23, ahead of his birthday on Saturday.

Wearing a sparkling black tuxedo jacket, bow tie and wide-leg trousers, Drake welcomed more than 400 guests to the event, according to Complex.

The evening’s musical highlight came when Backstreet Boys members Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson and Howie Dorough performed their hit “I Want It That Way”.

Drake joined the group on stage, recreating a moment from 2022, when he appeared during their Toronto concert to sing the same track.

Drake also received a red Ferrari, which was presented outside the venue. During the celebrations, he addressed the crowd with an emotional message about reaching the milestone.

“Tonight is just about being alive, staying alive,” he said, according to Complex.

The festivities extended beyond music and expensive gifts.

According to TMZ, guests received designer handbags from Chanel and Hermès.

Drake also reportedly organised a game show-style giveaway featuring cash prizes ranging from tens of thousands of dollars to as much as $1 million. It remains unclear whether anyone won the top prize.

The birthday celebrations followed gatherings with friends in Drake’s hometown of Toronto, including an event at the CN Tower. He later travelled to New York with his mother, Sandi Graham.

The milestone also coincided with major career recognition. Complex reported that the RIAA awarded Drake 30 additional certifications, making him the first artist to surpass 350 million certified units in the United States.

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