He doesn’t hold it against her.
AJ McLean spoke exclusively to Page Six about his special bond with Britney Spears at the iHeartRadio Music Awards 2026 on Thursday, three weeks after the pop star made headlines for her DUI arrest.
“We meet up from time to time,” said a 48-year-old Backstreet Boys member, adding, “We live in the same neighborhood, in the same area.”
The “Everybody” singer said that when she “passes” Spears, 44, she “always just gives her a hug and checks on her.”
MacLean, who was nominated in the Favorite Onscreen category at the awards, added: “I wish her all the best.”
As for whether he had “talked to her” recently, the “Building the Band” host replied, “We haven’t talked yet.”
The “Crossroads” actress was arrested on March 4 in Ventura County, California, for swerving and speeding.
Spears was caught with an unknown substance, believed to be pills, in her car, officials said.
The performer was released the next morning and a hearing is scheduled for May 4.
Spears is said to be “devastated” by the arrest, with one source saying she was “absolutely scared” at the moment and “knows that she will have to face whatever the consequences are.”
Spears has not yet spoken out about her legal issues, but her manager Cade Hudson released a statement earlier this month calling her actions “inexcusable.”
MacLean did not mention the scandal in Thursday’s conversation, but he is eyeing Spears to perform at next year’s Super Bowl, along with the Backstreet Boys and many other stars from the 1990s and early ’20s.
He told People last month that he had “started an online petition” for a February 2027 show at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium, and band member Nick Carter also suggested *NSYNC and 98 Degrees be included.
MacLean explained to Page Six on Thursday that “finally” getting the chance to take the stage would be “the crown jewel for Backstreet Boys.”
“Britney and *NSYNC had already performed with Aerosmith, and we did the national anthem that year,” he continued, referring to the 2001 halftime show.
“Come on, Jay-Z, make it happen,” he quipped the Roc Nation founder, who is helping staff Apple Music’s Super Bowl halftime show. “It’s just the right time. It’s the right time.”
