A LEGENDARY member of the Backstreet Boys is back, with a whole new look.
The former boy band heartthrob looks completely different as a grown man, with an unmistakable look.
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AJ McLean was one of the founding members of the Backstreet Boys – the 90s boy band many consider the most successful of all time.
The now 46-year-old joined the group in 1993, at age 13, shortly after appearing in the tv show Hi Honey, I’m Home.
That show, which aired on ABC as part of the network’s TGIF block, filmed in Orlando, Florida, the same city that gave birth to bands like the Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, O-Town, and more.
AJ quickly became labeled the “bad boy” of the group, a role he has since fully embraced.
He was spotted earlier this week puffing on a cigarette outside of Hollywood‘s famed Chateau Marmont hotel.
AJ sported a full beard, dark shades, and black painted nails.
His arms and neck were covered in colorful tattoos, as he sat on the steps outside the hotel.
The Larger Than Life singer was dressed in a black shirt and pants combo, and had an tan messenger bag strapped over his shoulder.
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Spotting fans nearby, he flashed a peace sign with his fingers.
GET DOWN
The Backstreet Boys, composed of members AJ, Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell, and Kevin Richardson, rose to fame in 1993.
Since forming, the group has released 10 studio albums and has sold over 100 million records worldwide.
While they have reunited for world tours lately, AJ is currently performing without his bandmates.
That’s not to say he’s a solo act now.
He is now teamed up with NSYNC’s Joey Fatone to tour the nation through July 20, performing each bands’ biggest hits.
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Last month, they stopped by Good Morning America for a mini concert that got even Michael Strahan dancing in the studio.
Joey and AJ performed NSYNC’s Bye, Bye, Bye, Tearin’ Up My Heart, and Backstreet Boys’ I Want It That Way, Everybody (Backstreet’s Back), on GMA.
They have said their tour will consist of music, comedy, and stories of being on the road.
They also said they will be taking requests from the fans for songs they want to hear.
AS LONG AS YOU LOVE ME
While on tour, AJ is also having to deal with a failed marriage.
AJ and wife Rochelle DeAnna separated last year, after more than a decade together.
On January 1, 2024, both AJ and Rochelle posted a joint statement on Instagram, announcing their divorce.
They wrote: “While we have hoped for reconciliation we have decided to officially end our marriage.”
“Our focus now is moving forward in the healthiest way possible with friendship and co-parenting our girls at the forefront of this next chapter,” they continued in the statement.
“We appreciate your kindness, respect, and privacy at this time.”
Rochelle is a hairstylist and makeup artist, as well as an occasional model and dancer.
She met AJ in 2001 at Choreographer’s Carnival, where she was a Halloween dancer.
The two reconnected years later and started dating in 2009, later tying the knot in December 2011.
Rochelle often stays out of the spotlight, but was featured in the Backstreet Boys’ film specials, A Very Backstreet Holiday and Backstreet Boys: No Place.
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