Backstreet Boys member AJ McLean Explains His Insightful New EP Hi, My Name Is Alex

AJ McLean, a founding member of the Backstreet Boys, has announced his upcoming solo EP titled Hi, My Name Is Alex. Set for release on November 27, 2025, the project marks a significant, personal, and artistic milestone. This milestone reflects his journey of self-discovery and four years of sobriety.

The EP Reveal

During an interview on  “The Jennifer Hudson Show”, McLean revealed that the EP is the culmination of a four-year creative process. During this time, he worked on the music alongside his touring schedule. He described the release as a deeply personal expression of his true self. He further emphasized that “AJ” is a persona he adopted for the band, while “Alex” represents his authentic identity. The EP’s release date was intentionally chosen to coincide with both his oldest daughter’s birthday and Thanksgiving. This was given as a gesture of gratitude to his fans who have waited patiently.

Following the EP, McLean will release a full-length album titled Hi, My Name Is Alexander James on January 9, 2026. With the release also being his 47th birthday, McLean describes the album as a gift to both himself and his supporters. He has also credited a mental health retreat in Arizona for helping him separate his stage persona from his personal identity. Completed two years prior, the 10-week retreat was a pivotal step in his healing journey.

McLean also shared that he now feels empowered to love himself. This newfound self-acceptance, rooted in sobriety and therapy, is central to his music’s emotional depth and authenticity.

AJ McLean’s Rise to Fame

McLean has received numerous accolades throughout his career, both as a member of the Backstreet Boys and as a solo artist. As part of the Backstreet Boys, he has achieved over 130 million records sold worldwide. Additionally, he has earned nine Grammy nominations, five Billboard Music Awards, and a 2013 star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The group is recognized as one of the best-selling boy bands in history.

AJ McLean’s Solo Work and Healing Journey

For his solo work, McLean has earned a Grammy nomination for his debut solo album, Have It All.  Released in 2010, the album features the lead single “Teenage Wildlife” and received positive critical reception for its eclectic sound. In 2015, McLean released the pop single “Live Together”. The song was followed by the country-infused singles, “Back Porch Bottle Service” (2018) and “Boy and a Man” (2019). The two singles marked his foray into country-pop music.

Performing as his alter ego, Johnny No Name, in rock and metal clubs, McLean has also supported charitable causes. Founded in 2001, McLean’s JNN Foundation funds diabetes research and school music programs. Ultimately, AJ McLean’s solo efforts have been recognized for their artistic depth and genre experimentation. These characteristics continue to showcase his versatility beyond his work with the Backstreet Boys.