Home / Arts and Entertainment / Backstreet Boy AJ McLean Celebrates Sobriety, Releases Solo EP
Backstreet Boy AJ McLean Celebrates Sobriety, Releases Solo EP
20 Oct
Summary
- AJ McLean working on solo EP for 4 years
- First part of 2-part solo project to release in November 2025
- McLean celebrated 4 years of sobriety, went on mental health retreat
- Wants fans to get to know "Alex" the person, not just "AJ" the Backstreet Boy
In October 2025, Backstreet Boys singer AJ McLean appeared on the Jennifer Hudson Show to discuss his upcoming solo music projects. McLean revealed that he has been working on his solo EP, "Hi, My Name Is Alex," for the past 4 years, with plans to release it on November 27, 2025 - his oldest daughter's birthday.
The 47-year-old singer explained that the unconventional Thursday release is to take advantage of the Thanksgiving holiday, as he is "so thankful and grateful for fans that have waited so patiently" for his solo work. This EP will be followed by a full-length LP, "Hi, My Name Is Alexander James," set to drop on January 9, 2026 - AJ's own birthday.
McLean also shared that he recently celebrated 4 years of sobriety and went on a 10-week mental health retreat in Scottsdale, Arizona two years ago. During this retreat, he realized that "AJ" is a character he plays as part of the Backstreet Boys, and he wants the world to get to know the real "Alex" the person. McLean said he struggled with low self-esteem his entire life, despite his successful music career, but he has now learned to love himself.
