AJ McLean Surprised by Taylor Swift's Positive Impact: No 'Dark Side' Found

AJ McLean Says Taylor Swift Remembering His Daughters Name Catapulted Her Into the Stratosphere

AJ McLean and Taylor Swift Getty Images (2)

AJ McLean had nothing but good things to say about Taylor Swift. During a podcast interview, he shared a heartwarming story about how Taylor Swift remembered his daughter Elliott's name. According to McLean, Swift is one of the most down-to-earth and humble performers he has ever met. He mentioned being impressed by her genuine nature and remarked that there doesn't seem to be a negative side to her personality.

The former Backstreet Boys member shared a heartwarming story about Taylor Swift meeting his 11-year-old daughter. He mentioned that Swift had met his daughter three times. During their last meeting, Swift remembered his daughter's name, which made a big impression on him as a father.

McLean fondly remembered the time when he took his daughter to see Taylor Swift perform. While they were backstage, Swift came over to them and greeted his daughter by her name, Ava. This gesture completely amazed McLean and left him in awe.

McLean and estranged wife Rochelle McLean share Elliott, who changed her name from Ava four years ago, and Lyric, 7.

AJ McLean Says Taylor Swift Remembering His Daughters Name Catapulted Her Into the Stratosphere

AJ McLean shared that his daughter was inspired by the movie Pete's Dragon. She felt her name wasn't unique and decided she wanted to be named after the dragon in the movie. McLean mentioned on a podcast that she insisted on having two T's in her name, saying, "God forbid, I spell it with one T." Since then, she has been known as Elliott.

Rochelle, who is 42 years old, initially discussed the name change on social media in 2022. She clarified that Elliot's name change was not related to gender. In her Instagram Story, she explained that Elliot, formerly known as Ava, had been changing names since the age of five. Last year, Elliot expressed a desire to be called Elliot instead of Ava, wanting a unique name different from the common "Ava."

She also mentioned how the family responded to Elliot's request.

"I didn’t really see the harm in respecting her desire to be unique. It's strange how as parents we pick names for people we haven't even met yet and expect them to always identify as that person," she explained. "So that's how Ava became Elliot."

In the same year, McLean shared with People that at first, he wasn't sure if it was related to being transgender. He clarified that it was not, but rather a personal choice.

“And it is her body, it’s her name, it’s her everything,” he continued. “And she’s still Ava. She’ll always be Ava to me.”

Editor's P/S:

AJ McLean's heartwarming account of Taylor Swift's genuine nature and kindness towards his daughter, Elliott, is a testament to her exceptional character. Swift's ability to remember Elliott's name, despite meeting her only three times, speaks volumes about her attentiveness and care for others. McLean's admiration for Swift's humility and down-to-earth demeanor highlights the importance of authenticity in the entertainment industry.

McLean's revelation that his daughter, Elliott, chose to change her name from Ava at the age of 11 is a poignant reminder of the fluidity and evolution of personal identity. Elliott's desire for a unique name that reflects her individuality echoes the growing acceptance of self-expression and the right to define oneself on one's own terms. The family's support for Elliott's decision to embrace her authentic self serves as an inspiring example of inclusivity and respect for the diverse experiences of children and individuals.