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AJ McLean stands by Britney Spears after her DUI arrest and emotional fallout

A neighbor's hug and a Super Bowl dream: How AJ McLean is rallying behind Britney Spears during her latest struggle. Will their paths cross again soon?

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AJ McLean stands by Britney Spears after her DUI arrest and emotional fallout

AJ McLean exclusively gushed to our website at Thursday's iHeartRadio Music Awards 2026 about his special bond with Britney Spears, three weeks after the pop star made headlines for a DUI arrest.

We see each other every so often," the Backstreet Boys member, 48, said, noting that they "live in the same neighborhood in the same area."

"He doesn't hold it against her. We see each other every so often," the Backstreet Boys member, 48, said, noting that they "live in the same neighborhood in the same area."

"Everybody" singer said that when he does "cross paths" with Spears, 44, he "always just give[s] her a hug and check[s] on her."

McLean, who was nominated for the awards show's favorite onscreen category, added that he "wish[es] her the best."

As for whether he has "spoken to her" recently, the "Building the Band" host told us, "I haven't."

The performer was released from jail the following morning and has a hearing scheduled for May 4.

We hear Spears is "devastated" over the detainment, with a source telling us the moment "scared the crap out of her" and she "knows she has to face the consequences whatever they may be."

While McLean did not mention the scandal during Thursday's chat, he is gunning for Spears to perform at next year's Super Bowl - along with the Backstreet Boys and a number of other stars from the 1990s and early aughts.

He told People last month that he "started an online petition" regarding the February 2027 performance at Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium, and fellow band member Nick Carter pitched *NSYNC and 98 Degrees joining as well.

McLean explained to our website on Thursday that "finally" having the opportunity to take the stage would be "the icing on the cake for the Backstreet Boys."

"Britney and *NSYNC did it already with Aerosmith, and we did the national anthem that year," he continued, referencing the 2001 halftime show.

"Come on, Jay-Z, make it happen," he quipped of the Roc Nation founder, who helps secure talent for the Apple Music Super Bowl halftime show. "It's only right. It's the right time."

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