Backstreet Boy Enters Alcohol Rehab

July 9 -- A.J. McLean of the Backstreet Boys has enteredrehabilitation for depression and alcohol abuse, forcing the groupto postpone the rest of its U.S. and Canada tour dates.

The other four members of the boy band — Kevin Richardson, HowieDorough, Nick Carter and Brian Littrell — announced the news todayon MTV's Total Request Live.

All four were choked up discussing the troubles of their 23-year-old bandmate, as were teenage members of the live studioaudience.

"When you're trying to help someone who has a serious illness,they have to help themselves first before they can really receivehelp. They've gotta really want it," Littrell said.

"He came to us yesterday for the first time. I heard him say,'Guys, I have a problem and I need to get help.' We figured thiswas the best for him. It's all about him being healthy."

McLean to Undergo 30 Days of Treatment

Richardson said McLean, a native of West Palm Beach, Fla., wouldenter rehab for 30 days for "depression, anxiety and his excessiveconsumption of alcohol." It's unknown where he'll receivetreatment.

"We didn't want to lie about it. We didn't want to push itunder the rug," Richardson said. "We want to be honest with ourfans. He's getting help. He's going to be better."

Earlier today, the Backstreet Boys announced they werepostponing remaining sold-out concerts at Boston's FleetCenter thisweek after Carter, 21, injured his hands on Saturday.

Black and Blue, the latest album from the Grammy-nominatedgroup, has sold 8 million copies since it came out in November.