One of the season’s most anticipated auditions was by Baylee Littrell, the 23-year-old son of Brian Littrell from the Backstreet Boys, who teased his son’s appearance on American Idol earlier in February. “I recently tried out for @americanidol,” Baylee shared on social media. “See what happens on 3/9/25 by tuning into the season premiere!”
The announcement sparked both excitement and skepticism. Baylee has been performing for most of his life, beginning as an opening act for his father’s band at just nine years old. He also performed in Disaster on Broadway. Afterward, he turned his focus to country music, releasing his debut album, 770-Country, in 2019, and serving as the opening act for Chris Lane and the Backstreet Boys’ DNA World Tour.
Some fans questioned whether Baylee needed the platform American Idol offers, but the majority, including new judge Carrie Underwood, were thrilled to see the young talent. Carrie recognized him immediately upon his entrance, saying, “There’s something about you that looks familiar.” It wasn’t until Baylee revealed his father’s identity that everything clicked.
Before Baylee’s audition, Brian shared, “It’s not simple. I’ve always told everyone he’s ten times more talented than I was.” Baylee’s original song impressed the judges, especially Carrie, who praised him, saying, “You’re really good. Emotionally, you arrived. I think you’re capable of doing well in this competition.”
Carrie fangirled when Brian entered the room and joined Baylee for a quick duet. She joked, “I think it would make you look bad if your superstar dad joined you, but it doesn’t.” All the judges agreed Baylee had a strong chance of winning and unanimously voted to send him to Hollywood.
Baylee’s journey goes beyond his connection to Brian. At six years old, he was diagnosed with Kawasaki Syndrome, a rare disease that causes inflammation in blood vessels and can have long-term effects on the heart if untreated. In 2009, Brian revealed, “We didn’t know what we were dealing with until we found his coronary artery three times the size it should be.” Baylee was hospitalized due to a high fever, a body-wide rash, and throat sores. After two weeks of uncertainty, he was diagnosed and treated, making a full recovery.
Watch Baylee Littrell’s American Idol audition in the video below!