“She is one of the most grounded, humble performers ever,” the Backstreet Boys singer said of Swift.
Taylor Swift helped AJ McLean score some major dad points!
During a chat on the Getting Grilled with Curtis Stone podcast, McLean, 46, shared a touching story about taking his older daughter Elliott, now 11, to a Taylor Swift concert nearly four years ago.
Podcast host Curtis Stone compared the Backstreet Boys’ fame to Swift’s current status, to which McLean responded, “It’s a moment you need to embrace,” noting that with the right mindset, like Swift’s, one can fully appreciate it.
“She is, by far, one of the most grounded, humble performers ever,” McLean continued to praise Swift.
He went on to share an incredibly special moment: “She’s met my oldest daughter three times. The last time, she remembered her name, and as a dad, that instantly elevated her for me.”
McLean vividly recalled, “We were backstage, and when she said ‘Ava,’ I was stunned. She remembered!” He then explained how his daughter, who originally went by Ava, decided to change her name to Elliott.
“My daughter decided almost four years ago to go by Elliott. It’s not related to sexual preference; she knew multiple Avas and felt her name wasn’t unique,” McLean shared. The name Elliott was inspired by a character in Pete’s Dragon. “She wanted it with two T’s. And she’s been Elliott ever since,” he laughed.
McLean, who also has a younger daughter, Lyric, 7, with estranged wife Rochelle, added, “I did tell her if she wants to keep the name, we must legally change it at the courthouse.” This led Elliott to think she might revert to Ava in a few years, though McLean amusingly vetoed Lyric’s request to also become Ava.
In 2022, McLean spoke about Elliott’s name change, emphasizing his support for her decision. “When she asked to change her name, my initial reaction was concern about possible transgender issues, but it wasn’t that. It’s simply her choice, and it’s her body, her name. She’ll always be Ava to me, but I support her a million percent,” he shared.
