Alright pop music fans get ready for a blast from the past meets new talent! You know Brian Littrell from the Backstreet Boys right? Well guess what his son Baylee is trying to make his own mark in the music world and he is taking a big leap by auditioning for American Idol ! Talk about pressure right? Let's dive into Baylee's story his famous dad and what we can expect on the new season of Idol.
Like Father Like Son? Baylee Littrell Auditions for American Idol and Dad Brian Gets Super Emotional (Cue the Tears!)
So imagine the pressure right? Your dad is a Backstreet Boy a total icon. But Baylee Littrell is not shying away from the spotlight. He actually auditioned for Season 23 of American Idol and it was a real moment. Even judge Carrie Underwood who knows a thing or two about Idol success noticed something familiar about Baylee right away. She even pointed out he looks just like his famous dad!
Luke Bryan even joked with Baylee that he did not have Brian's posters on his wall while Underwood admitted Baylee was a dead ringer for his father. Baylee himself talked about growing up in the crazy world of boy band fame. He joked about getting his singing genes from his dad but maybe not the dance moves. He admitted it is "scary" following in his dad's footsteps because Brian's career is "one of the most extraordinary in music history." No pressure then Baylee!
Brian Littrell watched his son's audition and got seriously emotional. He reflected on how being in the music biz affected Baylee growing up. While some might think it is all perks Brian said "it's not easy." He proudly declared that Baylee is "10 times more talented than I ever was." Dad goals right there!
Outside the audition room Brian was full-on proud dad mode even tearing up. "We're super proud...I think he's cut out for it" he said. Baylee sang an original song that was described as "emotional" for the judges. It was about wanting to give up but not giving up yet. Judge Carrie Underwood was blown away especially that Baylee wrote the song himself. She even said "I think you could go very very far in this competition." High praise indeed!
Luke Bryan then surprised everyone by inviting Brian Littrell into the audition room to sing the chorus of Baylee's song with him. Talk about a duet moment! Even with his famous dad joining in Baylee held his own. Underwood pointed out "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.’" All three judges Lionel Richie Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan gave Baylee a golden ticket to Hollywood. Brian's reaction? "I'm gonna cry. I'm crying" he said. Get the tissues ready folks this Idol journey is going to be emotional!
From Arena Openings to American Idol Auditions: Baylee Littrell's Musical Journey Before TV Fame
Baylee Littrell is not exactly a newbie to the music scene. He has been around it his whole life. Born in Atlanta on November 26 2002 Baylee has been performing since he was a kid. Get this he actually started opening arena shows for the Backstreet Boys when he was only nine years old! Talk about a childhood experience most of us can only dream of.
He even did Broadway at 13 in the musical Disaster! So he has experience on big stages for sure. But it is not just music. Baylee was also athletic growing up playing lacrosse basketball and soccer. After Broadway though he decided to really focus on country music and songwriting. He opened for the Backstreet Boys again on their 2019 DNA World Tour and also opened for country singer Chris Lane that same year. He is putting in the work!
Before American Idol Baylee already released his own original music. His debut album 770-Country came out in 2019 and he even collaborated with Tyler Hubbard from Florida Georgia Line and of course his dad Brian. He followed that up with an EP called EP Vol. One in 2022. So Baylee is coming to Idol with a solid musical background already under his belt.
Family Ties: Baylee's Backstreet Lineage and Desire to Forge His Own Path
Let's talk about the family connection. Baylee's dad is obviously Brian Littrell of Backstreet Boys fame. His mom is Leighanne Littrell (née Wallace). How did Brian and Leighanne meet? It's actually a classic show business meet-cute. They met on the set of the Backstreet Boys music video for "As Long as You Love Me" back in 1997. Leighanne was an extra in the video! Talk about fate. They got engaged on Christmas Day 1999 and married in September 2000. Baylee is their only child and it sounds like they are a super close family.
Baylee seems really close to both his parents. He wrote a sweet birthday tribute to his dad on Instagram for Brian's 50th birthday calling him an inspiration. He also gushed about his mom on Mother's Day calling her a "living angel." Family is clearly important to Baylee. However he also wants to make his own way. He told Channel 2 Atlanta that it is not always easy having a famous dad in the music industry. People assume doors are just open to him because of his name but he says it is often the opposite. He feels like he sometimes gets turned away because of the Backstreet Boys connection. He wants to prove himself on his own merit and American Idol is a big step in that direction.
Health Battles and Love Life: More About Baylee Littrell Beyond the Music
Baylee has overcome some personal challenges too. Back in 2008 when he was only six years old he was diagnosed with atypical Kawasaki syndrome a serious illness that causes inflammation of blood vessels. It was a scary time for his family. His dad Brian revealed they didn't know what was wrong until they found Baylee's coronary artery was three times the size it should be. It took two weeks to get a diagnosis. Thankfully Baylee received treatment and made a full recovery. It shows he is a fighter from a young age.
On the personal front Baylee seems to be in a happy relationship. He has a girlfriend named Klaudia who is from Chicago and a student at Emory University. They seem to have been dating since at least April 2023. Klaudia posted a sweet birthday tribute to Baylee on Instagram calling him "the most admirable person on this planet" and praising his "love talent wisdom humor and intelligence." It sounds like Baylee has a lot of support in his corner as he takes on this American Idol journey.
Key Facts About Baylee Littrell: American Idol Hopeful
- Famous Family: Son of Backstreet Boys member Brian Littrell and Leighanne Littrell.
- Musical Background: Released album "770-Country" and EP "EP Vol. One" opened for Backstreet Boys and Chris Lane.
- Broadway Experience: Performed in the musical "Disaster!" at age 13.
- Country Music Focus: Aspiring country singer and songwriter.
- American Idol Season 23 Contestant: Auditioned and received a golden ticket to Hollywood.
- Relationship: Dating Klaudia a student from Chicago.
- Health Challenge: Overcame atypical Kawasaki syndrome as a child.
- Desire for Own Path: Wants to forge his own music career separate from his father's fame.
Will Baylee Be the Next American Idol Superstar? Tune in and Watch His Journey Unfold!
So Baylee Littrell is officially on his way to Hollywood on American Idol. He has got the talent the background and a whole lot of heart. Will he be the next big country star to come out of Idol? It is going to be exciting to watch his journey unfold. Tune in to American Idol on ABC and see how far Baylee goes. And maybe keep an eye out for Brian Littrell in the audience cheering his son on. This could be the start of something big for Baylee and another chapter in the Littrell family music legacy!