Backstreet Boy A.J. McLean Engaged
MTV News
A.J. McLean no longer knows the meaning of being lonely.
In an interview with VH1 over the weekend, A.J. disclosed that he's engaged to up-and-coming singer Sarah Martin.
A.J. said that he and Martin plan to walk down the aisle in 2003, hopefully on the anniversary of the day they met.
Until then, A.J. will have his hands full with his group. Rumor has it the Backstreet Boys are going in the studio in the next couple of months to work on their next LP, the follow-up to 2000's Black & Blue.
McLean's spokesperson could not be reached to comment on the singer's nuptial plans.
Last July, McLean made headlines when he entered treatment for alcohol abuse, depression and anxiety (see "Backstreet Boys Postpone Tour As A.J. McLean Seeks Treatment"). He returned to the group, and the road, in August (see "Backstreet's Back: Tour Resumes With A.J. And Lots Of Love").
McLean is the third Backstreet Boy to pop the question to his mate; Kevin Richardson and Brian Littrell each tied the knot in 2000 (see "Backstreet's Kevin Richardson Gets Hitched," "Backstreet Boy Littrell Ties The Knot").
Backstreet Boy Relapses
The National Enquirer
AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys checked himself back into rehab, but promptly checked himself back out again, The ENQUIRER has learned. He was spotted on a flight to a famed Arizona rehab clinic last weekend.
"He looked like he'd been on a bender, bags under his eyes and stumbling his way to the gate," says one observer. "I wasn't sure if he was gonna do something crazy. I stayed out of his way."
The teen idol got clean last summer, but there have been regular reports of relapses since then. He's even been spotted snorting cocaine openly at a trendy L.A. nightclub.
The Backstreet Boys are taking some time off right now, which makes it easier for McLean's wild ways to fly under the radar. Friends are increasingly worried about his behavior, both public and private.
"He has a temper like you wouldn't believe," one friend tells us. "And when he's drinking it just gets worse. You don't want to be anywhere near him."
A source close to the star tells The ENQUIRER it was McLean's girlfriend, Sarah Martin, who got him to go back to rehab. They were seen having a loud disagreement during lunch at a busy Orlando lunch spot, and friends say it wasn't the first time.
"Sarah said it was her or the booze," says our source. "He had to choose."
Whatever he did during his mere weekend at the rehab clinic seems to have worked. McLean and Martin have announced their engagement, with the wedding expected to be set some time next year.
Out and About with John Callahan
... and finally, our old friend "Reliable Source" tells us of the further adventures of young Mr. Justin Timberlake. The pop star was spotted just this weekend at a somewhat disreputable local establishment, wisely choosing to eschew the watered-down beer in favor of the other attractions of the joint. Namely, the hordes of pretty boys willing to give him anything he could possibly want. Our reliable source says he can prove it ain't no lie: at the end of the night, he was the lucky guy that got to feel Timberlake's mouth around his "attraction". Open wide, kiddo, you're caught!