‘Millennium’s bad boy’: Remembering the life and times of Aaron Carter

By: Lora Reyes - 2 years ago

The world was left in a state of shock when the sudden death of American artist Aaron Carter hit the news last November 6 (Philippine time). Aaron, who catapulted to fame in the late 90s, has passed away at the age of 34.

As first reported by TMZ, Aaron was found unresponsive at his Lancaster, California residence by police officers after they received a 911 call of a report that a man had drowned in his bathtub. Representatives for Aaron’s family later confirmed the news to the media.

Condolences and tributes have begun flooding in after fans, loved ones, and fellow celebrities of the former teen pop idol heard of his sudden passing. Among those who remembered Aaron are Lizzie McGuire star Hilary Duff, Tyler Hilton, Diane Warren, and his brother, Backstreet Boys member Nick Carter.

Dubbed as the “Justin Bieber of the 90s” and the “millennium’s bad boy,” Aaron has been in the spotlight for more than two decades and has dealt with his fair share of ups and downs—from his journey as a teen pop idol to a grown artist.

Born on December 7, 1987, Aaron started performing at the ripe age of seven. He was launched in the spotlight after opening for the Backstreet Boys in their 1997 show in Germany. In the same year, Aaron released his self-titled debut album. 

What made Aaron gain the status of a teen pop idol was when he dropped his second record, “Aaron’s Party (Come and Get It)” in 2000, which spawned some of his hit songs, including “I Want Candy,” “Aaron’s Party (Come and Get It),” “That’s How I Beat Shaq,” and “Bounce.” His sophomore album has received both gold and platinum status, leading him to serve as the opening act for another Backstreet Boys concert and Britney Spears. 

He then continued to stake his claim in the music industry after releasing two more albums, “Oh Aaron” in 2001, and “Another Earthquake!” in 2002, before going on a 16-year music hiatus.

Aaron’s trajectory isn’t only limited to his music career as he also transitioned into acting. The teen pop idol had appeared in TV shows, such as Lizzie McGuire, and Sabrina, the Teenage Witch. He also starred in the 2004 film Fat Albert and Supercross with Channing Tatum in 2005. He also flexed his acting chops on Broadway as he was cast in Seussical the Musical and The Fantasticks.

Aaron Carter
Image via Disney

He also made appearances in reality shows, including House of Carters, Dancing With The Stars, and Rachel vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off.

However, not everything is all sunshine and rainbows. Along with the extraordinary highs of Aaron’s career also came a dark side. 

As the 90s heartthrob grew up, he faced a series of struggles: financial woes, relationship problems, family issues, and other personal battles.

Aaron had several run-ins with the law over the years. In 2008, he was arrested for speeding, and marijuana was found in his vehicle. He was also arrested in 2017 for driving under the influence, and reckless driving in 2021. 

The teen pop sensation also struggled with alcohol and drug addiction, which he had always been candid about. “I thought I would die by 30,” Aaron shared in an interview with Us in 2017. “Even when I was 13, 14, I thought: ‘Oh my God, I’m going to die.’”

“Life was pretty tough. I dealt with a lot of traumas, a lot of loss, and a lot of loneliness. I just felt like I needed to get away,” he continued.

The American artist had also opened up about his mental health struggles. In his 2019 appearance on The Doctors, he revealed that he’s been diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, manic depression, and anxiety, and he’s been treating it with medications prescribed to him. “This is my reality,” he said. “I have nothing to hide.”

Despite the peaks and valleys he faced, Aaron relaunched himself in the music scene with “LØVË,” his first record in 16 years and his last one before his passing. Speaking to INQUIRER.net, Aaron described that the album was “based on certain relationships I had.” 

“That and the feeling of being misunderstood and not being heard or not knowing where I was coming from,” he said. “It’s a really good album.”

He also then shared how the transition from being a child pop star to a grown artist had made an impact on his life.

“The transition made me feel like I needed to take some time off, grow up as a human being, and just study music,” said Aaron. “So, I focused on studying music; I put my money into that and kept grinding over the last 12 or 13 years […] You know, a lot of people didn’t believe in me; they said I wouldn’t get a record deal. But I just keep pushing until there’s nothing left, and try to be the best, after all.”

Before his passing, Aaron revealed in an interview that he was ready to be back in the music scene, adding that he didn’t care about fame. “I enjoyed all of that, and I’m back to that,” he shared at the time. “I don’t really care about [stardom] […] I’m a singer, a songwriter, a performer, and this is what I do, and I’m never going to give up on it.”

Apart from his music, Aaron also remained focused on sobriety and improving himself after losing custody of his son, Prince, with his former fiancée Melanie Martin. As per media reports, in September, Aaron checked himself into rehab for a fifth time in a bid to regain custody of Prince.

Rest in Peace, Aaron Carter. You’ll be missed, but your memory will forever be with us and will never be forgotten.

 

 

 

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