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After decades as one of the frontmen of the legendary boy band 'Backstreet Boys,' AJ McLean is preparing to step into the spotlight on his own terms. The singer recently revealed the deeply personal story behind his upcoming solo EP, 'Hi, My Name Is Alex,' which will be released on 27th November, 2025. He discussed in an open interview on 'The Jennifer Hudson Show' that this new project is the result of his quest for self‑discovery, sobriety and redefining his identity outside of the band.
The Journey Behind the Project
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Image Courtesy: The Hollywood Reporter
AJ McLean has been a fixture in pop music since the Backstreet Boys rose to global fame, and now he's ready to show a different side of himself. In addition to his obligations with the band's tour schedule, he revealed that the EP 'Hi, My Name Is Alex' has been meticulously crafted over the course of four years.
He clarified during the talk-show appearance that the term represents a change in viewpoint, saying, "AJ is a character in a band…I want the world to get to know Alex," he expressed. Additionally, McLean acknowledged that the 27th November release date of the EP, which coincides with his daughter's birthday and is just before Thanksgiving, was selected as a thank you to his supporters who have been waiting for his solo work.
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Image Courtesy: People
What to Expect & What It Means?
McLean indicated this solo project is about authenticity and self‑acceptance. He recently celebrated four years of sobriety, and he said that going to a 10-week mental health retreat was a game-changer. The EP serves as a precursor to a full‑length solo record titled 'Hi, My Name Is Alexander James,' scheduled for release on 9th January, 2026—which also happens to be his birthday.
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It is anticipated that the album will reflect his development beyond the boy band character, showing his personal development, unguarded self-evaluation, and a very unique voice. Reflecting on the album, McLean added, "It's been an incredible journey finding my way outside of Backstreet Boys…really finding my true happiness."
Although he assures fans that he is still a member of the Backstreet Boys, this solo phase represents a major turning point in both his professional and personal lives, allowing listeners to get to know "Alex" in a whole different way.
Backstreet Boys Roots Still Run Deep
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Image Courtesy: Chicago Tribune
McLean's relationship with the Backstreet Boys stays unaffected even as he pursues a solo career. He was quick to clarify that the record and EP represent a growth of his artistic voice rather than a break from the group. In his interview, he claimed that "I'll always be a Backstreet Boy— that's part of my DNA." The group, who recently celebrated over 30 years together, remains active, with new tour dates and projects in the pipeline.
The ultimate goal of AJ's solo project is to transcend the image that fans have been familiar with for decades, not to leave anything behind. Although it's a personal chapter, it's not the end of it, highlighting on the fact that even pop stars can reinvent themselves without losing their essence.
