UPDATED: Backstreet Boys Member AJ McLean Confirms He’s Checked Into Rehab

Robbie Daw | January 13, 2011 11:11 am

Backstreet Boys ended 2010 on a high note, after performing on Oprah with long departed member Kevin Richardson, announcing a joint 2011 tour with New Kids On The Block and then busting out a medley of hits with NKOTB at the American Music Awards. But despite those achievements, TMZ is reporting that BSB member AJ McLean has checked into rehab following what a source has described as “out of control” behavior due to substance abuse. The site notes that the Backstreet Boys singer, who turned 33 on January 9, previously did stints in rehab in 2001 and 2002 for alcohol and cocaine abuse.

UPDATE: This afternoon (January 13), MTV quoted from a statement AJ released, wherein he confirms that he is seeking rehabilitation:

“For personal reasons, I’ve checked myself into a rehab clinic. With 2011 being a busy year for Backstreet, I want to be healthy and perform and sing for people at my very best and happiest. None of this will affect our current tour plans and I look forward to seeing everyone really soon! Thank you for all of your support and respecting my family and friends privacy during this time.”

McLean posted a series of tweets between January 9 and 10 alluding to his then-upcoming trip to rehab. “Its gonna be a great year! I love u all and wish me luck! I start my sober journey tomm!” he wrote in one.

Backstreet Boys are currently scheduled for a series of live dates in South America that begin on February 18, according to their official site. The NKOTBSB tour is set to kick off on June 2 at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut.