The season 23 premiere of American Idol (March 9) kicked off with an exciting round of auditions, including a standout performance from Baylee Littrell, the son of Backstreet Boys member Brian Littrell.
Baylee, 23, had been teasing his Idol audition on social media ahead of the premiere, sharing a post that got fans buzzing: “Well guys😁 recently I had the opportunity to audition for @americanidol 🙏🏼 Tune in to see the season premiere and what happens on 3/9/25!” While many were excited, some skeptics wondered if Baylee needed the Idol platform given his already established career.
Baylee’s journey into music started early. At just 9 years old, he began opening for his dad’s group and later appeared in the Broadway musical Disaster! In 2019, he opened for both the Backstreet Boys on their DNA World Tour and for country artist Chris Lane. He also released his debut country album 770-Country that same year.
But when Baylee walked into the audition room, Carrie Underwood immediately recognized him. “There’s something about you that looks familiar,” she said before he revealed his dad’s identity.
Brian shared a heartfelt message about his son’s talent before the audition: “It’s not easy. I’ve always told everybody he’s 10 times more talented than I ever was.”
Baylee wowed the judges with an original song, leaving Carrie praising his emotional depth: “You’re really good. Like, you’re really good. You went there emotionally. I think you could go very, very far in this competition.”
To top it off, Brian joined Baylee for a brief duet, leaving Carrie starstruck. “I feel like for anyone else, having your superstar dad join you would make you look bad, but it doesn’t.”
With unanimous votes from the judges, Baylee advanced to Hollywood, and it was clear that his future in the competition was promising.
But Baylee’s story is about more than just being Brian Littrell’s son. When he was 6, he was diagnosed with Kawasaki Syndrome, a rare disease that causes inflammation of the blood vessels. His coronary artery was found to be three times the size it should be, but with timely treatment, Baylee made a full recovery. This experience has only added to the resilience that defines his path today.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122140325198471340&set=a.122119902284471340
