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Alexander James McLean
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What Backstreet Boy is most likely to appear on stage dressed like Jim
Carey in Batman Forever? Which Backstreet Boy is most likely to quote
poetry to a girl or serenade her under her window? Which adorable
Backstreet boys is most likely to dye his hair purple? If you've guessed
AJ McLean for all the above, you've definitely got a handle in the
groups Mr. Personality!
AJ just can't help his high spirits. He's always been a total cut-up
cracking up school peers, family and even strangers with his off-beat
humor and willingness to do or try anything. "I'm a big ham and I gotta
be out there and doing crazy stuff for no apparent reason, especially on
stage," He says.
This dynamic performer found the bright lights of show business early in
his life. He's been sing ever since the tender age of six when he stole
the show during his first theatrical production playing "Dopey" from "
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" Later on, AJ appeared in more
traditional musicals such as The Nutcracker, The King and I, and Fiddler
on the Roof. In fact by the time he was 12, he had appeared in 27
classical plays! AJ's a triple threat- in addition to singing and
acting, he was a serious dance student learning everything from Jazz to
Ballet to Hip-hop. It's still a talent he puts to great use during a
Backstreet boys energetic live performance.
In junior high, AJ won a part in Nickelodeon's series Welcome Freshman
which began his on going relationship with both Nickelodeon and the
Disney Channel. . It was during one of his first auditions for the
former that he met up with Howie. D and Nick lacing together the roots
of the group soon to be called the Backstreet Boys.
Life with the BSB has been very exciting for AJ, though that he admits
that the extent of their fame can still startle him sometimes. "It
kinda' gets to you a little. The crowds have gotten bigger and crazier
[This year]," He says. "You don't want to be mean- you just want to walk
away a little. When ever you go out to a club or the movies, it's just a
little bit more difficult. now, it's at the point where you can go
dancing, but just be prepared to sign a few autographs while your on the
dance floor."
Backstreet boys' Kevin confides that AJ has a hard time knowing when to
stop signing autographs or posing for pictures. "Sometimes AJ doesn't
know when to stop, because he doesn't want to upset anyone," says Kevin.
"He makes to many promises." That's because AJ can't bear to let anyone
leave disappointed!
AJ admits that he's the most girl-crazy of the group. "If you want the
biggest flirt, that's me," He says "I do flirt-and I do like girls- I'm
not going to say I don't." Still, the outpouring love he receives from
Backstreet Boys fans makes him want to pinch himself sometimes just to
makes sure it's not a dream. "I keep on thinking, I'm just out of
high-school, I'm just a regular guy, why are you crying? Why weren't the
girls crying over me in high-school?" He says. "I wish it had happened
them!"
AJ's just not some random Romeo, though. "I'm the type of guy who want
to be there 24/7," he says. "I'm Mr. Roses. I'll sing outside your
window. I'm as old fashioned as they come."
AJ credits his mom Denise with teaching him how to treat girls nice.
"Even though I'm a big flirt, I'll talk to a lot of girls, if were to
pick one girl, I'd try to give her as much time and respect I could," He
says "My parents got divorced when I was about four, so I was raised on
a feminine household and I was raised to respect women."
What is it about a certain girl that will inspire AJ to write sweet
nothings! "I like their eyes," He says echoing the sentiments of fellow
BSB Brian. "Honestly. I know that most guys would not agree with me, but
first thing I look at is eyes. I have to look into her eyes because if I
could look deep past those eyes it's like, Wow!" He says. "And I like
long hair. Short hair is just as nice, but I like long hair. I don't
care if their fat, skinny, tall, short."
When AJ isn't flirting or rehearsing with the group, he can usually be
found talking to somebody, anybody. You see, AJ has made story telling
an art form! "AJ is Mr. talkative," Says Brian. "He's always on the
phone to his family in Florida. I'd hate to see his phone bill. He'll
chat to anyone tell you stories all days long, weather there true, or
not. Sometimes after a gig, I want to be quiet and rest , but he's like,
'Let me tell you want happened!' and I'm like , 'Listen, I was there, I
saw it!'"
"I talk on the phone it's like a part of me. I guarantee I'm going to be
buried with a phone next to my head!" Confesses AJ. "I'm not really into
sports. the only sport I'm into- If you conquered it a sport- is
billiards. I'm like really good at pool. I'm trying to be in basketball.
On a scale of one to ten, I'm like an eight. And I'm getting better. I
also like to draw, write poetry, and listen to music."
Musically gifted with a beautiful bass voice, AJ tastes compliment the
R&B/pop sound of Backstreet Boys. "I'd say I'm more geared toward
strictly R&B, motown, doo wop music. I listen to a lot of R&B artists,
like Peabo Bryson, who Kevin acutely got me to listen to , and Stevie
Wonder and The Temptations. In term of gospel, I like Commissioned, Take
6, Boys II Men, Shai"
After conquering the music charts in Canada, Europe, Asia, and
Australia, the Backstreet Boys have finally come home to the United
States. For his part, AJ finds this homecoming very gratifying and a
little bit scary. "You really don't know what to expect," says AJ "Even
though this is home for us, it's still a new territory and you don't
know what the reaction will be."
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