Backstreet Boy A.J. McLean Engaged Since December

Back - Index - Submissions - - What is RSS? Date: Mar 13, 2002 Source: Launch.com Submitted By: Newsdiva D (3/13/02, 10 a.m. ET) -- Backstreet Boy A.J. McLean is engaged to singer Sarah Martin. McLean first revealed the fact during a December 2001 phone interview with radio personality JoJo Wright at Los Angeles top-40 radio station KIIS FM. In the interview, McLean told Wright that he wanted to propose in a unique way, so he started off by telling his girlfriend that he was breaking up with her. "I basically set it up where I told her that our relationship's over," he explained. "Kind of like breaking up with her in a weird kinda way. She had this freaked out look on her face. And I told her to close her eyes, and I got down on one knee. And I said, 'Open your eyes,' and I said, 'Sarah Jo Martin, will you be my wife?' And she muddled what sounded like 'yes' and she started crying." McLean added, "Her knees buckled. And she came down, and we're both on two knees now, sitting there hugging each other. And I'm, like, 'Well, wait! Say it again--make sure I heard you right. Please tell me that you said yes,' and she did!" McLean had a difficult 2001, spending time in rehab for alcohol abuse and depression, but he said that he managed to wrap up the year on a very happy note, "It's just an awesome thing, man. It really is. I see how happy Brian (Littrell) and Kevin (Richardson) are, and you know, it's just, it's my turn." McLean will soon be the third Backstreet Boy to tie the knot. "I just want all of our fans to be supportive and be happy like they were with Brian and with Leighanne and Kevin and Kristin. And I'm sure that they will," McLean said. "We have the most wonderful fans in the world and they've been so supportive, especially with me and with my situation. And I just want to be happy, and she makes me happy. And she keeps me sober. And it's just awesome. We're just a great couple together." The Backstreet Boys are currently writing songs for their follow-up to 2000's Black & Blue. The group has been working with writers and producers Jermaine Dupri and Glen Ballard. Two weeks ago, groupmember Howie Dorough sat down and penned a few songs in Los Angeles with songwriter-choreographer Wade Robson, and he also collaborated with songwriter Andrew Fromm. -- Jason Gelman, New York Comment on this item. Next Item: Backstreet Boys Charity Club's First Annual Fan/Charity Convention Prev Item: Backstreet Boy & Sis To Sing National Anthem