AJ McLean and his daughter Elliott were caught in a humorous situation at the 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards. Despite being the daughter of a Backstreet Boys’ member, Elliott is not a fan of one of their iconic hits, “I Want It That Way.” According to McLean, Elliott despises the song as it leads to teasing at school when she arrives. The boys at her school would jokingly sing the lyrics, much to her embarrassment. McLean finds amusement in this and often joins in to tease his daughter, as any dad would do.
Backstreet Boys, formed in 1993, gained massive popularity with their debut album in 1996, reaching new heights with the release of their third album, “Millennium,” in 1999. Despite the success of songs like “Larger Than Life” and “Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely,” it was “I Want It That Way” that became an enduring earworm for generations to come.
McLean humorously shared that although Elliott claims to dislike many Backstreet Boys tracks, she secretly enjoys some of them. The band still holds a special place in their hearts for their music and the message behind their songs.
Despite its catchy tune, “I Want It That Way” has faced scrutiny over the years for its ambiguous lyrics. The band clarified the meaning behind the song on social media in 2018, putting an end to the speculation surrounding its lyrics. However, McLean later admitted that the song “makes no sense” and joked about the decision to stick with the version that lacked clarity, believing it contributed to the song’s success.
In personal news, McLean announced his separation from his wife, Rochelle DeAnna McLean, after 14 years of marriage. The couple emphasized their commitment to co-parenting their two daughters and moving forward with respect and friendship.
