Baylee Littrell, the 22-year-old son of Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell, recently left a lasting impression on the judges of American Idol with an unforgettable audition that was made even more special by the presence of his famous father. The father-son duo shared a heartwarming moment on stage, with Brian joining Baylee for a duet that showcased not only the younger Littrell’s musical talent but the strong familial bond between them.
Baylee, armed with his guitar, took the stage first, performing an original song that immediately caught the attention of the American Idol judges—Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie. His heartfelt performance resonated with the panel, but it was when they encouraged him to invite his father to join him for the chorus that the magic truly happened. Brian Littrell’s appearance on stage added a new level of depth to the performance, creating a touching father-son moment that was as powerful as it was emotional.
Carrie Underwood, visibly moved by the performance, complimented Baylee’s confidence and talent, especially in the presence of his superstar father. “For your superstar singer dad to come in here, I feel like for anybody else, it would make you look bad. But it didn’t. You were right there with him. You didn’t pale, you didn’t shy away. You were like, ‘This is my moment,’” Carrie praised Baylee, highlighting his ability to stand strong beside one of the most famous voices in pop music history.
In an endearing moment during the audition, Baylee spoke candidly about his musical roots, acknowledging the influence of his father on his career. “I believe I get my voice from Dad, and hopefully I can do him justice today,” Baylee shared. With a smile, he added, “Music runs in our family,” before joking about the one thing he didn’t inherit—his father’s dance moves.
Baylee also reflected on the pressure of following in his father’s footsteps. “Following in my dad’s footsteps is scary because his career, to me, is one of the most extraordinary in music history,” he confessed, acknowledging the weight of his family’s legacy. “No one can ever compare,” he added, highlighting the challenge that comes with being the son of a musical icon.
Despite the challenges, Baylee remains passionate about pursuing his own music career. “Trust me, I wish that I wanted to do something completely different,” he said. “But if I’m not doing music, there’s no way I can really exist.” Growing up in the music industry has shaped Baylee’s worldview, and he fondly recalls opening for the Backstreet Boys during their tours as a young child. “I remember being 8 or 9 years old and they sold out this huge arena and I got to open up for them,” he reminisced. “I was mesmerized. I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, what is this?’”
Brian, who has spent decades as a member of one of the most iconic boy bands in history, understands the complexities of navigating the music industry. “Obviously, growing up in the industry, a lot of people look at that as such a perk. But it’s not easy,” Brian reflected, offering advice to his son. “I’ve always told everybody that he’s 10 times more talented than I ever was.”
The emotional moment culminated in Baylee receiving a unanimous vote from the judges, earning a spot to continue on in the competition. Overcome with emotion, Brian couldn’t hold back tears as he watched his son take another step toward realizing his own musical dreams. “I’m gonna cry,” Brian said, clearly overwhelmed with pride and joy as Baylee moved forward in the American Idol competition.
Baylee Littrell’s audition was not only a personal milestone for him but a reminder of the power of family, shared dreams, and the musical legacy passed down through generations. With the support of his father, Baylee is now on his own path to making his mark on the music world, and it’s clear that this father-son duo’s journey is just beginning.