Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean looks unrecognizable as he unveils his secret new identity on RuPaul’s Celebrity Drag Race

BACKSTREET Boys member AJ McLean has revealed he has a surprising second identity.

The singer unveiled his alter-ego Poppy Love to the world as he appeared on RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race.

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Backstreet Boys member AJ McLean revealed his second hidden identityCredit: VH1

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He introduced Poppy Love to the world on RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag RaceCredit: VH1
AJ, 44, decided to take part in the second season of the VH1 show, which premiered on August 12.

In a format similar to The Masked Singer, the identities of the celebrities competing were kept secret until a dramatic reveal during Friday’s episode.

The queen is known as Poppy Love, who had treated the audience to performances of Christina Aguilera’s Show Me How You Burlesque and Brandy and Monica’s The Boy is Mine, ‘ruvealed’ herself to be AJ.

The judges, including RuPaul, Carson Kressley, Michelle Visage, and Ross Mathews, were shocked to learn that he was part of the show.

Fans were equally stunned, as one shared on social media: “This ‘ruveal’ blew my mind.”

“It’s an honor to be here,” AJ told Drag Race viewers.

“I’m gonna do whatever it takes to win that crown. I want this.”

Despite his ambitions, AJ was eliminated from the show shortly after his reveal.

He was competing for a $100,000 donation to a charity of his choice alongside Chakra 7, who is Tatyana Ali, Chic-Fil-Lay, who is Kevin McHale, Mark Indelicato as Thirsty Von Trapp, and Daniel Franzese as Donna Bellissima.

‘TIME OF MY LIFE’

After the shocking episode aired, AJ took to Instagram, telling his 1.1m followers: “The secrets finally out, ha!”

He continued: “Thank you so much to RuPaul’s Drag Race for letting me be my most glamorous self, I had the time of my life being Poppy Love!”

During his performances on the show, Poppy had shown off a range of exciting costumes including a tribute to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell and an open-cup leather bodysuit with nipple tassels.

THE DAY JOB

It’s no surprise that Poppy’s fans could barely believe it when they learned that she was in fact the Backstreet Boys star, who is more commonly seen wearing jeans, T-Shirts, and baseball caps.

Still performing with the boy band, who are now on their tenth album, AJ also has his own career as a solo singer.

The hitmaker is married to hairstylist Rochelle Karidis, and they share two children together, Ava and Lyric.

In 2020, AJ launched a nail polish line with Ava Dean Beauty, citing his daughters as inspiration.

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‘It’s an honor to be here,’ AJ told Drag Race viewersCredit: VH1

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The singer showed off a range of wild outfits while performing as PoppyCredit: VH1

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Fans are used to seeing a very different look from AJ, who shares two daughters with his wife Rochelle KaridisCredit: Getty