After making some discoveries during his mental health therapy, AJ McLean experienced an emotional reunion with his biological father after 42 years apart.
It had been only a few days since the Backstreet Boys ended their world tour in May when McLean, 45, packed his things into his truck and drove to Scottsdale, Arizona, for a ten-week intensive outpatient program.
The purpose of the stay was to help him work through past trauma, PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
At The Grove's annual tree lighting celebration in Los Angeles on Monday night, the acclaimed pop star declared that their sobriety has been going strong for two years. "My sobriety is certainly holding firm," they announced to Page Six.
"I go to my meetings regularly and do my 12-step program. I got my sponsor. I know that I take it very seriously. But I needed to go to the root of it."
What Happened?
Not divulging the particulars of his struggles, the "Shape of My Heart" singer revealed that this experience compelled him to reconnect with his dad, a person he had not seen since he was three.
McLean had exchanged messages sporadically, but therapy motivated him to extend an invitation finally.
AJ McLean wanted to pick her brains and find out what their family had told her about her character. "Hey," he asked, "how about we sit down and chat?"
In his own words, this Grammy nominee wanted to learn things and be in charge of his choices. "I'm being selfish in a healthy way. I want to hear it directly and make my own decisions," he said. It was apparent that he was determined to live life on his terms.
"And hopefully, if I make mistakes, I learn from them. I'm not perfect. I don't want to be perfect. Nobody is."
McLean attended the event with his two daughters, Elliott, formally known as Ava (age 10) and Lyric (age 6), whom he shares with now estranged wife Rochelle. During his attendance, he highlighted how much is changing for him.
Most significantly, McLean has realized that it's possible to separate his career from who he is.
McLean clarified that he is not the same person as his stage persona, "AJ." Rather than being called by his Backstreet Boys name when offstage, Alex prefers to be referred to by his birth name.
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AJ McLean Album
He's even considering going by Alexander James for his upcoming solo album.
Additionally, McLean plans to launch a clothing line and extend his beauty brand, Ava Dean, in the new year.
McLean couldn't help but smile as he gazed at his kids, and he was ready to share the single most crucial parent tip. Additionally, he had been keenly aware of ensuring that his mental and physical health was managed.
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