About this episode
AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys revisits the Boyband Golden Era, revealing what really happened with the rumored NSYNC “beef” while opening up about fame, brotherhood, and performing at the groundbreaking Las Vegas Sphere. AJ McLean sits down with Shawn Stockman for a nostalgic, honest, and often hilarious look at the Backstreet Boys’ rise, the boyband explosion of the 90s, and the truth behind the long-whispered rivalry with NSYNC. He reflects on the Millennium days, studio sessions with Max Martin, unforgettable tour stories, backstage pranks, and how the group kept their sound authentic across decades. AJ also shares the personal journey that reshaped his life offstage — from stepping away from the “AJ” persona to embracing Alex, rebuilding boundaries, and finding clarity through recovery. If you love the Backstreet Boys, boyband history, or the pop/R&B crossover era that defined the late 90s, this episode dives deep into the music, the memories, and the evolution behind it all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices