Another new season of reality competition show Dancing with the Stars is almost upon viewers. Season 29, to be exact. Ahead of the full cast list getting revealed, it was revealed that Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean would be competing for mirror ball glory. Fresh off of the reveal, McLean is sharing how has prepared for Season 29, and it has been a workout!
Time will tell if NSYNC’s Joey Fatone will be back to judge AJ McLean’s dancing abilities but, in the meantime, McLean has dedicated himself to getting shape for Dancing with the Stars. It's a decision that should put him in a prime position coming into Season 29. After all, most celebrity contestants focus on losing weight after the season has begun. On getting a head start, McLean told Entertainment Tonight:
I’ve lost about 15 pounds. Grain free. Gluten free. Sugar Free. I said I want whoever trains Ryan Reynolds, that’s my man crush. Sure enough, I was able to find his exact trainer.
Yes, you read that correctly. The trainer behind Ryan Reynolds’ famous physique, which has been featured in Deadpool among other movies, has worked with AJ McLean on his, and the results sound pretty staggering. McLean revealed that he has lost 15 pounds ahead of Dancing with the Stars, and credits a grain, gluten and sugar-free diet as part of the process.
Bless him because I have no idea how he's making it. I have done it, and faux sugar is the only way I have managed. Back to AJ McLean, though. He is giving himself a tremendously excellent edge as he readies to compete against The Bachelorette’s Kaitlyn Bristowe, among others that have yet to be announced. Dancing with the Stars is already exhausting enough without being in shape for it.
AJ McLean’s body transformation confirmation comes as Dancing with the Stars’ alum, Kelly Osbourne, opened up about hers. Osbourne came in third place with her pro partner, Louis van Amstel, twenty-one seasons ago in Season 9. Fast forward to 2020, and McLean is preparing for the life-changing stint. On what lies ahead, McLean acknowledged:
Just from talking to my partner, it’s going to be my world upside.
AJ McLean is right about that, at least from a viewing perspective. Dancing with the Stars puts contestants through the wringer, but sounds like McLean is more than ready for the high-energy competition, which will apparently not see McLean square off against Dr. Fauci. It will, however, see him be among the first celebrities to compete with Tyra Banks as the show’s new host.
The Backstreet Boys singer is the latest member of the popular band to join Dancing with the Stars. Nick Carter competed eight seasons ago with red-head turned blonde professional dancer Sharna Burgess. A lot has changed since then besides Burgess’s hair, including the hosts. Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews were both let go from the hit show ahead of Season 29 and replaced by Banks.
Stay tuned to learn who joins AJ McLean when the full cast lineup gets announced next week. You can watch McLean waltz onto Dancing with the Stars when Season 29 premieres Monday, September 14, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. While you wait to get dazzled by the mirror ball (and the contestants), check out the other shows set to tango their way onto this fall’s schedule.
