Netflix's latest musical series has hit the screens today, much to the delight of eager fans. AJ McLean is at the helm of Netflix's fresh offering, Building the Band. He'll be accompanied by mentor and judge Nicole Scherzinger, along with guest panellists Kelly Rowlands and the late Liam Payne.

Building the Band will invite 50 vocalists to participate in a unique musical experiment. They'll enter the process blind, aiming to discover their ideal bandmates based solely on compatibility, connection, and what they hear.

Participants will audition each other in private booths before deciding who they want to form a band with. Six bands will emerge from the process, but only one will win, meaning not all participants will make the cut, with each band comprising a maximum of five performers.

As the new series premieres today (July 9), let's get to know AJ McLean better, reports the Mirror US.

Born Alexander James McLean in Florida in 1978, AJ is an American singer-songwriter, also known for his acting and modelling pursuits. Reports suggest that AJ had a speech impediment as a child but soon found his calling in the arts.

Fans may recognise him from his roles in the 2001 film Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius and the 2013 movie This is the End. He's also made appearances on shows like Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Dancing with the Stars.

AJ was a contestant on RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race in 2022, which he ultimately won. At the tender age of six, AJ secured a part in a local production of A Christmas Carol, followed by The King and I.

He also pursued dance training, mastering ballet and hip hop. However, he's best known as one of the founding members of the 1990s pop sensation, the Backstreet Boys, alongside Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell and Kevin Richardson.

In addition to his group success, AJ enjoyed a successful solo career, releasing albums like Have it All and memorable singles such as Night Visions. He's also recognised by another name - Johnny No Name - an alter ego he reportedly adopted when not performing with the Backstreet Boys.

People previously reported that AJ was questioned about any internal band disputes, where he confessed that he and Nick were the only ones to have had a physical altercation. As teenagers, they ended up in a fist fight.

AJ was dealing with acne at the time and said Nick "kept calling me pizza face." He recounted threatening to burn Nick's newest comic book over the sink with a lighter, saying: "I didn't realize that the flame was at its highest, so it burst into flames."

This led to a fist fight between the two, but they eventually reconciled.

AJ was married to Rochelle McLean, and together they have two children. However, reports suggest that they announced their divorce in January 2024 after a year of separation.

The couple, who have been married since 2011, released a joint statement saying: "Marriage is hard, but worth it. We have mutually decided to separate temporarily to work on ourselves, and on our marriage with the hope of building a stronger future.

"The plan is to come back together and continue to nurture our love for one another and our family. We ask for respect and privacy at this time."

In other aspects of his personal life, he has candidly shared his battles with addiction. Speaking exclusively in 2023 AJ, who has hosted Alcoholics Anonymous meetings at his residence, also said: "I've battled self-esteem issues my entire life, and I've learned a lot.

"My sobriety is the most solid it's ever been." The 'I Want It That Way' singer faced addiction for nearly twenty years before achieving sobriety in 2019.

Reflecting on a pivotal moment, he recalled a particularly heavy night out, admitting: "It could have killed me", as reported by the Daily Mail.

AJ McLean reportedly boasts a net worth of $30million.

On Instagram, AJ keeps his followers updated under the username aj_mclean. Earlier in the year, he excited fans with a teaser about the upcoming show Building the Band, posting: "Y'all ready for this? !".

"Building the Band is the brand new music competition where singers pick their bandmates-without ever laying eyes on 'em first. Wild, right? The talent blew me away... and it's gonna blow you away too. Don't miss the premiere July 9th only on @Netflix."

Building the Band is available to stream now on Netflix.