ORLANDO, Fla. — Backstreet Boys member and Florida native AJ McLean will compete for the Mirrorball Trophy during Season 29 of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.”
McLean said nothing can prepare you for “Dancing with the Stars,” but his time in Orlando and South Florida — he was born in West Palm Beach but moved to Kissimmee at a young age to pursue an acting and singing career — helped him understand the entertainment industry.
“That’s where everything really started for me as far as acting, theater, dancing and singing,” he said, noting his 30-plus years of dance experience includes ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary and, once he joined the Backstreet Boys in 1993, urban.
McLean surmises being a part of the group gives him an edge, but it also has its downsides.
“I think it’s like 60-40: 60 advantage, 40 disadvantage because … I’ve done a certain style for my entire life, so I have to reprogram my brain to a style of dance that I’ve never ever done,” the 42-year-old said. “The one upside that I am bringing to the table is I can retain things quickly.”
Another benefit: He’s been able to reach out to his friend, fellow BSB member and former “DWTS” contestant Nick Carter for advice. Carter initially “terrified” McLean, but then reassured him that if anybody could win, it was McLean. He also offered this tip: Go in with no expectations.
“That’s the key, I think, to going the distance in this competition is to literally have zero expectations,” McLean said. “If you go in with a cockiness or you go in with too much confidence, I think that’s going to hinder you because then you think you’ve got it in the bag and that’s not how this works. … From what (Carter) told me, this is a journey. It’s a marathon, it’s not a sprint, so pace yourself.”
While learning has been easy, it’s the foundation and specifics of ballroom dancing that have proven a challenge for McLean.
“Every little thing matters … from the way your hand is positioned to your shoulders being back to pointing your toes to how far apart your legs are,” he said. “It’s crazy.”
McLean has also struggled with learning to lead his partner. While he worked with female dancers in the past, especially during the Backstreet Boys’ Las Vegas residency, he never had to lead.
“I’m not comfortable yet (leading),” he said. “Right now, it’s just let’s just put the steps on me, then we’ll start being really meticulous with all the details, and hopefully by then, when I’m comfortable, is when I can finally take my partner and actually lead her.”
The celebs competing this year include “Tiger King” star Carole Baskin (who founded Big Cat Rescue in Tampa), Disney Channel alum Skai Jackson, rapper Nelly, “Bachelorette” star Kaitlyn Bristowe, actor Jesse Metcalf, Super Bowl champ Vernon Davis, “Cheer” coach Monica Aldama, actress Anne Heche, “One Day at a Time” actress Justina Machado, “The Real” co-host Jeannie Mai, NBA great Charles Oakley, “Catfish” host Nev Schulman, “Selling Sunset” real estate agent/actress Chrishell Stause and ice skater Johnny Weir.
