Baylee Littrell is showing off his larger-than-life talent.
The 22-year-old son of Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell showcased an original song that left judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lional Richie, as well as his father and other American Idol hopefuls, in tears.
During his performance of his original song, “Hey Jesus,” on the March 31 episode of the competition series, Baylee dedicated it to his late grandmother Shirley.
“I wrote this song when I was going through a pretty tough time in my life, lost somebody I loved,” the Atlanta native said in a side interview. “My grandma was my best friend. With my dad being away on tour, she would always step in. She understood me like not many people do. My grandma passed away three years ago almost.”
Baylee continued through tears, “I thought she was gonna be around for moments like this. I never expected to lose her. So, when I did, I questioned everything. And I pushed away faith. Thought I would not find it again, this song kind of helped me find it.”
During his performance, Baylee strummed his guitar as members of the audience stood to their feet and wiped tears. At one point, the camera cut to his father Brian and his mother Leighanne Littrell who sang along with tears in their eyes while sitting next to Idol host Ryan Seacrest.
At the judges table, Carriewas visibly emotional as she praised the performance.
“Baylee, you’re so good,” she said as fellow judges Luke and Lionel nodded in agreement. “Your heart and your genuineness just come through. You’re so good.”
And while Baylee has the support of his father—who has found success with the boyband for over two decades—the young musician is ready to carve his own path.
“When your families in the music business it opens a lot of doors, but it also creates a lot of animosity,” he said ahead of taking the stage. “My big thing here is, I’m here to make this on my own.”
Baylee stunned the judges during his audition during the season 23 premiere that aired March 10, when his father joined him to sing along during his audition as he performed another original song, where he also had the chance to credit his father for his talent.
“I believe I get my voice from Dad, and hopefully I can do him justice today,” Baylee explained. “I guess you can say music runs in our family. Dance moves-wise, that’s the one thing genetically that did not pass down.”
“Following in my dad’s footsteps is scary, because his career, to me, is one of the most extraordinary in music history,” Baylee added. “No one can ever compare.”
Keep reading for more celebrity kids who shined on American Idol…
Nikko Smith
Son of the Hall of Famer Major League Baseball player Ozzie Smith, Nikko competed on season 4 of American Idol, singing Stevie Wonder’s “All I Do.”
Nikko made it to the top nine before he was eliminated.
Jordin Sparks
Jordin, daughter of New York Giants alum Phillippi Sparks, competed on season 6 of American Idol. She auditioned in Seattle, Washington, performing Celine Dion’s “Because You Loved Me.”
She received a yes from judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, and she went on to win the season.
Since competing in 2007, the “Battlefield” singer has dropped several hit songs and received a Grammy nomination in 2009 for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals for “No Air,” her duet with Chris Brown and in 2024 for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for“Love Me Like I Am” With For King & Country.
Lara Johnston
In season 10, the daughter of Doobie Brothers member Tom Johnston Lara sang Stevie Wonder’s “All I Do” in a San Francisco, California audition.
She made it to the Hollywood round and was eliminated.
Jane Carey
Comedian Jim Carrey’s daughter Jane was a season 11 contestant, singing Bonnie Raitt’s “Something to Talk About” in San Diego, California.
Jane made it to the first round of Hollywood week before being eliminated.
Shannon Magrane
Former St. Louis Cardinals player Joe Magrane’s daughter Shannon also competed on season 11 of the competition series. She performed a rendition of Etta James’ “Something’s Got a Hold on Me,” and received a yes from all three judges.
Shannon secured a spot in the top 11 before she was sent home.
Gianna Isabella
Gianna, daughter of ‘80s pop star Brenda K. Starr, auditioned for season 15 of the series. She performed her mother’s hit song “I Still Believe,” and she wowed the judges.
The New Jersey contestant finished with a place in the top ten.
Amelia Hammer Harris
Amelia, daughter of pianist and “Great Balls of Fire” songwriter Jack Hammer, was a season 16 contestant on American Idol. She performed “Gimme Shelter” by The Rolling Stones in Savannah, Georgia, where judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan all gave her a yes.
She secured a spot in the top 24 before being eliminated.
Claudia Conway
Claudia, daughter of Kellyanne Conway (former Senior Counselor for President Donald Trump) and George Conway (who served as an advisor to Trump) auditioned for season 19.
Katy announced the audition on a Nov. 16 Instagram story, saying, “Well, well, well, let the games begin because Claudia just tried out for American Idol.”
The influencer sang Adele’s “When We Were Young” and Rihanna’s “Love on the Brain,” receiving a no from Luke, but a yes from both Katy and Lionel. Claudia made it to the Hollywood round before being eliminated.
Ava Maybee
Ava, daughter of Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, auditioned for season 20 with Stevie Wonder’s “Lately.” She wowed all three judges, who sent her to the Hollywood round.
She made it to the top 14, singing “Sign of the Times” by Harry Styles, but, alas, it was not enough to keep her in the competition.
Leah Marlene
Also competing in season 20 was Leah—daughter of Honeymoon Suite guitarist Derry Grehan—who performed “Steal My Girl” by One Direction in her Nashville audition, securing her a spot in the next round.
She became a finalist for the season, singing “Cover Me” by Bruce Springsteen and her original song “Flowers,” but was eliminated.
Lyric Mederios
Lyric, daughter of singer Glenn Mederios, auditioned for season 21 in Nashville with the song “Love Me Like You Mean It” by Kelsea Ballerini. However, Katy wanted to see her perform another song more challenging, leading Lyric to sing Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats.”
Luke voted no, but Katy and Lionel moved her into the next round. Lyric was eliminated shortly after in the Hollywood round.
Camila Galavis
Bachelor alum Juan Pablo’s daughter Camila auditioned for season 22 of American Idol with a performance of Joaquina’s “Rabia.” But before she sang, Juan admitted he was nervous for his daughter to enter the public eye.
“The opportunity came, she wanted to do it,” he explained. “And I say, ‘I don’t know if you’re old enough.’ That was last year. I’d say, ‘Well maybe next year.’ And then, here she is. So, we’ll see how it goes.”
Lionel voted no, but Katy and Luke decided to move Camila to the next round. However, she was ultimately cut during Hollywood week.
Emmy Russell
Following in the footsteps of her music legend grandmother Loretta Lynn, Emmy auditioned for season 22 with her own original song “Skinny” about her experience with eating disorders. The performance secured her a golden ticket from Lionel, Katy and Luke, who were all shocked to learn her grandmother’s true identity.
And her mother Patsy Lynn Russell–a member of the country duo The Lynns with twin sister Peggy Lynn–joined her backstage.
“She just wanted to do this honestly,” Patsy said of her daughter’s decision to audition for American Idol. “I think that when you come from a musical family, the shadow is so big. ‘How do I fill those shoes?’ Well the deal is, you don’t. You make your own shadow.”
Katy loved the performance, praising her: “You’re an A-plus songwriter. So was your grandma. You got the gift.” Emmy secured a spot in the Top 5 as a season 22 finalist, but ultimately did not win the season.
Baylee Littrell
Baylee auditioned for the competition series March 9, performing for new judge Carrie Underwood, and returning judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. He performed his original song, and his father, Backstreet Boys alum Brian Littrell, joined him on stage to sing the chorus.
All three judges voted yes for Baylee, advancing him into the next round of season 23, but he was eventually eliminated when the hopefuls were whittled from the top 20 to just 14.
