AJ McLean Ditches ‘Backstreet’ for ‘Alex’—But What’s He Hiding Behind That Name Change?
Added on October 20, 2025 inMusic News Cards
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Question for all the cosmic pop aficionados out there—Is it just me, or does AJ McLean look slightly like a Sagittarius who’s seen both Jupiter’s hospitality and Mercury’s retrograde meltdowns, all before breakfast? Maybe it’s the twinkle in his eye… or maybe that’s the look of a man finally dropping his “character” and inviting the world to meet the person beneath the fame . Whatever star sign you blame (or credit!) for his timing, here’s the scoop: on Monday, during a breezy chat with Jennifer Hudson, Backstreet Boy legend AJ McLean spilled his soul about his upcoming solo EP, “Hi, My Name Is Alex.” Four years in the making, birthed in the cracks between tour dates, and dropping on Thanksgiving—because apparently, this guy zigzags while the music industry zags . It’s more than a solo project; it’s a journey of reinvention, sobriety, and unexpected gratitude—as if the universe decided the real Alex deserved an astrological rebirth, right as the turkey’s roasting . Feeling curious yet? You should be. This isn’t just another pop-star side gig—it’s cosmic catharsis with a killer soundtrack . For the full celestial download, LEARN MORE.
Backstreet Boys‘ AJ McLean has opened up about his forthcoming EP and why he decided to title it Hi, My Name Is Alex.
In an interview airing Monday on The Jennifer Hudson Show, the singer said his solo project is four years in the making, given that he was working on it around his touring schedule. He revealed that the EP will be released Nov. 27, which McLean picked since it’s his oldest daughter’s birthday as well as Thanksgiving.
“Normally new music comes out, as you know, on a Friday,” he told Hudson. “I’ve gone against conventional rules my whole life, so I figured why not throw a curveball and put it out on Thanksgiving because, in my mind, I’m so thankful and grateful for the fans that have waited so patiently for this. I promise you it’s worth the wait.”
The full LP, which will have the title Hi, My Name is Alexander James, will be released Jan. 9, which is McLean’s birthday. “I’m giving a gift to the fans and to myself because I really am passionate about it,” he said of why he chose that date.
“I’m proud of it,” he continued “I’s been an incredible journey kind of finding my way outside of Backstreet Boys, you know, this kind of journey of self-discovery and really finding my true happiness. I just celebrated four years sober, so … where I am today shows in the music.”
Two years ago, he took a trip to Scottsdale, Arizona, for “a little mental health retreat.” He was there for 10 weeks. “What I got out of that was understanding that AJ is a character in a band,” he shared. “It doesn’t define me as who I am. I want the world to get to know Alex. … I want everyone to kind of get to know me as me. There’s not that much of a difference between the two, but one is part of a group, part of a team, and then me on my own, I finally realized that I can love myself today, which I do. I can look at myself in the mirror.”
McLean shared that he also has struggled with low self-esteem for his entire life.
“It’s kind of mind boggling considering what I do … but I wanted you [the fans] to like me and now if you don’t like me that’s your loss,” he said. “I’m a good person.”
Watch the interview below.
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