One of the most talked-about moments of the American Idol season came from Baylee Littrell, the 23-year-old son of Backstreet Boys star Brian Littrell. In early February, Baylee teased his long-awaited audition on social media, posting, “Well guys 😁 recently I had the opportunity to audition for @americanidol 🙏🏼 Tune in to see what happens on 3/9/25!”
The news instantly set the internet abuzz — fans were thrilled to see the next generation of the Littrell legacy step into the spotlight, while some wondered if Baylee even needed the show’s platform. After all, he’s no stranger to the stage.
Baylee has been performing since childhood, first joining his famous dad on tour at just nine years old. He later appeared in the Broadway musical Disaster! before pursuing his own career as a country singer-songwriter. In 2019, he released his debut album 770-Country and even opened for the Backstreet Boys on their DNA World Tour, as well as for country star Chris Lane.
When Baylee walked into the Idol audition room, judge Carrie Underwood immediately noticed something familiar about him. “There’s something about you that looks familiar,” she said — before he revealed his famous father’s name.
Backstage, Brian Littrell beamed with pride. “It’s not easy,” he admitted. “But I’ve always told everyone he’s ten times more talented than I ever was.”
Baylee performed an original song, showcasing both his emotional depth and natural storytelling ability. His heartfelt delivery earned instant praise from the judges.
“You’re really good — like, really good,” Carrie told him. “You went there emotionally. I think you could go very, very far in this competition.”
In a heartwarming twist, Brian later joined his son for a short duet, creating one of the most memorable moments of the night. Carrie couldn’t help but gush: “For anyone else, having your superstar dad join you would make you look bad — but it doesn’t.”
The judges unanimously sent Baylee through to Hollywood, agreeing that his future on the show looked bright.
But Baylee’s story is about more than music and family fame. When he was just six years old, he was diagnosed with Kawasaki Syndrome, a rare childhood illness that causes inflammation in the blood vessels and can affect the heart if left untreated.
“We didn’t know what we were dealing with until doctors found his coronary artery was three times the size it should be,” Brian revealed in 2009. After a frightening hospital stay marked by fever, rash, and throat blisters, Baylee was finally diagnosed and treated — making a full recovery.
Now, years later, that same resilience shines through in his music. And as his American Idol journey begins, it’s clear that Baylee Littrell is stepping out of his father’s shadow — and into his own well-deserved spotlight.
