AJ McLean, an iconic member of the Backstreet Boys, recently opened up about his 12-year-old daughter Elliott’s strong dislike for one of the band's most famous songs, “I Want It That Way.” The revelation came during an interview at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, where McLean humorously shared how Elliott is teased by her classmates about the beloved 1999 hit.
"My oldest daughter hates that song, hates it with a passion," McLean told People in an interview published on March 18, 2025. "Because she gets teased at school when she walks into school.” He recounted amusingly how boys at school sing the lines, “Tell me why,” a situation that makes Elliott cringe as she asks them to stop. "And then I start doing it to embarrass her because that’s what dads do!" he added with a laugh.
Despite her aversion, McLean expressed hope that Elliott may have a secret affection for the band's music, hinting at their close bond. In 2022, he had also spoken about Elliott changing her name from Ava to something unique, showing his unwavering support for her choices.
The Backstreet Boys are gearing up for a busy summer with their residency titled "Into the Millennium" at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Set to kick off on July 11, 2025, and running until August 3, the residency aligns with the forthcoming release of "Millennium 2.0." This new project is a reimagined version of their original album and will include six new demos along with remastered tracks that made them famous.
On this exciting opportunity, McLean reflected, "The fact that we get to redo this album again live, it’s kind of reinvigorating, this excitement about what it was back in ‘99," speaking to how deeply intertwined the music is with their lives and legacies. Released on the same day as the residency launch, "Millennium 2.0" promises not just nostalgia but a fresh dive into the favorites that marked a generation.
In the midst of these professional commitments, McLean also turned his attention to a personal project close to his heart. He’s been set to host Netflix’s upcoming show “Building the Band,” which honors his late friend and One Direction singer, Liam Payne. Payne tragically passed away on October 16, 2024, after a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires at the young age of 31.
McLean shared his fond memories of Payne during the iHeartRadio event, saying, “Liam Payne and I got very close. He was just a dream to work with. He was a light, so talented, so funny, so genuine.” He emphasized the importance of preserving Payne’s memory through the show, noting, "It’s a great way for fans to remember him as he truly was — just witty and fun and so outspoken and so supportive of the talent on this show.”
Moreover, he mentioned how the series will be dedicated to Payne and his family as an ode to his legacy, stating, "I still have the last text conversation we had. I refuse to delete it." This poignant tribute captures the sentimentality of friendships that are tested by loss.
As the Backstreet Boys prepare to resume their touring life, they are also reflecting on personal matters. AJ McLean and his wife Rochelle announced their official separation on January 1, 2024, after nearly 12 years of marriage. The couple had confirmed their split after a year-long separation, expressing a desire to coparent their children with love and respect.
As he juggles personal and professional commitments, McLean is focused on ensuring his daughters, Elliott and Lyric, aged 8, are supported and cared for. This summer marks an exciting yet challenging time for McLean, as he balances his career in music with family responsibilities.
With the Backstreet Boys expected to perform at the Stagecoach Festival in Indio, California on April 27, 2025, fans await an eventful summer flooded with nostalgia. The band not only represents memorable tunes from the past but continues to create new experiences and opportunities for future generations.
