Backstreet Boys' AJ McLean opens up about his new TV project
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Backstreet Boys legend AJ McLean has opened up about his new TV project The Fashion Hero.
The 'I Want It That Way' singer and former Dancing with the Stars contestant has joined the reality format from The X Factor's producers, along with celebrity mentors like rockers Simple Plan and fitness influencer Drew Manning.
The Fashion Hero features 22 diverse contestants put into teams with the goal of defining new kinds of beauty. The eventual winner will get to front a high-budget marketing campaign.
Speaking to Digital Spy about presenting The Fashion Hero, AJ McLean revealed he signed on almost instantly when he found out about the uplifting format.
"Within the first 10 minutes of Caroline [Bernier, the show’s executive producer] explaining the concept, I said, ‘Where do I sign? I'm in!’” he told us.
“We need more content like this out there. We brought together contestants from 22 different countries, ages 19 to 65, people that have struggled with body dysmorphia, mental health issues, drug and alcohol abuse, physical abuse, domestic violence, anything and everything. And we gave them an opportunity of face their own fears, and overcome adversity."
Since McLean has a wealth of experience as a stage performer, he wanted to instil in contestants that all of their forms of expression are valid.
"I told everybody day one on set, you're all winners just being here. Being that vulnerable," he recalled. "As I like to say, it’s full kimono open; that’s how raw the show is, warts and all. I can relate as a host, and as a person, to everybody that was on the show.
"I've been in similar cases and similar situations. I hung with the entire cast and crew every day, got to know everybody's first and last names. I got to know their backstories so that I could have conversations with them while we're filming. Everybody opened up to me like I was their therapist.”
The Fashion Hero will air in the UK in 2024.
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