Lauren Alaina Wants AJ McLean To Win ‘Dancing With The Stars’

Country sweetheart Lauren Alaina came in fourth on the 28th season of Dancing With The Stars last year. So, it comes as no surprise when the singer was asked at an ACM Awards press interview for her thoughts on the dancing competition’s 29th season, which premiered last Monday, September 14. 

“I have so many thoughts!” Alaina laughed before composing her bubbly self. “Carole Baskin, wow. She was smiling the whole time, which I appreciate. Every time they showed her, she was smiling. Her dancing, [professional dance partner] Pasha is going to have to work hard and so does she.”

But two contestants really impressed her, although she already has her winner vote locked in. “I would say, I think the standouts for me were Skai [Jackson], [who] pretty much looked like a professional dancer which was amazing, and [the Backstreet Boys member] AJ McLean. Obviously he came in and mentored me last year—and that’s who I want to win,” the Georgia native revealed, before quipping, “Sorry everyone else, you’re all wonderful and beautiful!”  

Last year, soon after wrapping her time on Dancing With The Stars, Alaina released a touching (and aptly choreographed) music video for “Getting Good,” which featured pro-partner Gleb Savchenko. 

On the music front, Alaina dropped her vulnerable post-breakup EP, Getting Over Him, last month. The six-track project includes the lead track “Run,” “Getting Over Him” with Jon Pardi, and the stirring piano ballad, “What Do You Think Of?” featuring pop superstar Lukas Graham.

“I wrote all of these songs in different mindsets. Some of them are angry, and some of them are sassy, and some of them are sad,” Alaina said of the new EP in an earlier interview with Sounds Like Nashville. “I think the best thing for me to truly share where I am is the music.”

Listen to Alaina’s Getting Over Him EP and more below. Fans can also watch Dancing With The Stars for a special episode on Tuesday, 9/22 and then back to Mondays at 8/7c on ABC.