What Is AJ McLean’s Net Worth?

Alexander James “AJ” McLean, an American musician, dancer, and actor, has cultivated a substantial career over several decades. His current estimated net worth stands at $20 million. This financial standing is primarily attributed to his long-standing involvement with the Backstreet Boys, one of the best-selling boy bands in history, alongside his solo endeavors and appearances in television and film.

Early Career and the Backstreet Boys

AJ McLean’s journey into the entertainment industry began in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he was born on January 9, 1978. Even as a child, McLean demonstrated a passion for performing arts, which led him to engage in various talent shows and competitions. At the age of four, he started taking dance lessons, dedicating two hours daily to ballet for four years, alongside jazz, hip-hop, and other styles. By five, he had ventured into modeling, appearing in J.C. Penney catalogs and runway shows, showcasing his early adaptability in different facets of the entertainment world. By the age of 12, he had participated in numerous school plays, highlighting his consistent involvement in acting from a young age. His formal acting training commenced at the age of eight with a role as Little Mike in the 1986 film “Truth or Dare.”

In March 1992, a turning point came when McLean, at the age of 14, auditioned for a new music group advertised in a newspaper. By April 1992, he became the first official member of what would later be known as the Backstreet Boys. He completed his high school education through correspondence courses, facilitated by a tutor while touring with the group. The initial lineup of the Backstreet Boys included AJ, Howie Dorough, Kevin Richardson, and Brian Littrell. Their debut performance took place at SeaWorld Orlando on May 8, 1993. Subsequently, they performed across various venues throughout the summer, including touring schools to seek a record deal. In 1994, they signed with Zomba Music and recorded songs in Sweden. Their first single, “We’ve Got It Goin’ On,” was released to radio in August 1995, but it only achieved minor success in the United States. However, they struck gold with “Quit Playing Games (with My Heart)” in 1997 which climbed to #4 on Billboard’s Hot 100, achieving platinum status.

The Backstreet Boys’ self-titled debut album was released in 1996, marking their formal entry into the music industry. Their popularity initially soared in Europe, with their single “I’ll Never Break Your Heart” earning gold certification in Germany. The band’s breakthrough in America occurred after the release of “Quit Playing Games (with My Heart)” in 1997, which reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and eventually achieved platinum certification for selling over one million copies. Their second album, “Backstreet’s Back,” was a significant hit, featuring singles like “Everybody” and “As Long As You Love Me.” During his tenure with the Backstreet Boys from 1996 to 2013, McLean participated in the creation of eight albums, including “Backstreet’s Back,” “Millennium,” “Black & Blue,” “Unbreakable,” and “In a World Like This.” As a band, the Backstreet Boys have sold over 130 million records globally, solidifying their position as the best-selling boy band of all time.

Solo Career and Ventures Beyond Music

In 2008, McLean broadened his artistic endeavors by performing as a solo artist, collaborating with Ryan Tedder from OneRepublic and JC Chasez of ‘N Sync. He adopted the persona of “Johnny No Name,” an alter ego used during his solo performances apart from the Backstreet Boys. In January 2010, McLean released his first solo album titled “Have It All,” marking his official entry into the solo music scene. Following this, he released several singles. Beyond his music career, McLean has made appearances in various television shows and films, including “Static Shock,” “Arthur,” “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” and “This Is the End,” indicating his versatility and interest in expanding his career into acting.

Real Estate Investments

AJ McLean’s real estate portfolio includes properties bought and sold in the Los Angeles area. In 2001, he purchased a home in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles for $430,000. He later sold this property in 2015 for $1.653 million, indicating a substantial return on investment over the years. In July 2015, McLean acquired a home in Thousand Oaks, a suburb of Los Angeles, for $1.9 million. This property was sold in February 2024 for $3.5 million. These real estate transactions reveal strategic investments that have significantly contributed to his overall net worth.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

After joining the Backstreet Boys in 1992, McLean was in a six-year relationship with Marissa Jackson, the daughter of his former managers. Following their breakup, they maintained a friendship, leading Jackson to write the book “Loving A.J: My 6-Year Romance with a Backstreet Boy.” Subsequently, McLean dated Amanda Latona, a member of the girl group Innosense, for two years. He also dated Kristin Denehy, one of the Backstreet Boys’ backup dancers, and was engaged to Sarah Martin before their split in 2003. In January 2010, after dating for ten months, McLean proposed to model Rochelle Deanna Karidis. The couple married in December 2011, with the other members of the Backstreet Boys in attendance. Together, they have two daughters. In March 2023, AJ and Rochelle announced their separation. McLean is also the founder of the JNN Foundation, which aims to support music education in classrooms and raise funds for diabetes research.

Substance Abuse and Recovery

At the height of the Backstreet Boys’ success, AJ McLean began struggling with substance abuse issues, which included drugs and alcohol. His bandmates became aware of the severity of the problem during the US summer tour for their album “Black & Blue” in 2001, as it started affecting his performance on stage. In 2001, with the encouragement of fellow band member Kevin Richardson, AJ entered rehab for substance abuse. McLean has been to rehab three times in his battle with addiction. He has credited his wife for her support in helping him achieve sobriety and overcome his drug addiction.