You know him as one-fifth of the pop group the Backstreet Boys, but AJ McLean dropped a not-so-subtle hint on Wednesday (Feb. 28) that a country project might be in his future. The artist stopped by the Country Music Association to officially sign up as a member of the organization.
A press release sent to media members on Friday (March 2) shows McLean filling out his CMA membership application and posing for a photo with CMA Manager of Awards & Industry Relations Brenden Oliver and CMA Awards and Industry Relations Assistant Angela Roland. The Backstreet Boys collectively have said that their next album will have some heavy country influences, including a couple of tracks that entirely belong within the genre.
If McLean and/or his group do try to break into the country genre, it won’t be their first rodeo: In 2016, the Backstreet Boys recorded “God, Your Mama and Me” with country duo Florida Georgia Line, setting off a chain of collaborations between the two acts. FGL and BSB appeared on CMT’s Crossroads together and performed at the 2017 ACM Awards together. The Backstreet Boys also joined Florida Georgia Line for a few dates of their Smooth Tour during the summer of 2017 as well.
“God, Your Mama and Me” scored FGL and BSB a No. 1 hit in 2017. It was the Backstreet Boys first time at the top of the country charts.
A prolific songwriter in addition to his singing and dancing skills, McLean — who calls himself “a chameleon” — has dabbled in fashion and acting as well. He’s also already done some solo recording.
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