Pop superstar’s son hoping for career boost on ‘American Idol’: ‘He’s been busting his butt’
Fans of the Backstreet Boys are likely to take a special interest in “American Idol” this season. Baylee Littrell, an aspiring country singer and the son of Backstreet singer Brian Littrell, is set to compete on the ABC reality series.
Rumors have been circulating for weeks among “Idol’ fans, who are likely hoping that Brian will show up during his son’s televised audition and support Baylee’s run on the show in a highly visible way.
For now, all we know for sure is that Baylee, 22, tried out for Season 23, teasing his audition with a post on Instagram. Also, dad Brian confirmed the “Idol” news during a Feb. 14 interview on the “Today” show.
“He’s actually on the new ‘American Idol’ this season, which is a little caveat of information,” Brian Littrell, 50, said on “Today.”
Although Baylee grew up surrounded by Backstreet Boys hoopla and has launched his own career, he’s evidently still getting used to the rigors of the music business.
“He was just texting me last night, going, ‘Dad, dude, how do you do this? Like, it’s hard work,’” the Backstreet singer said. “He’s been busting his butt, and I’m super proud of him. He kind of gets a new sense of reality of what this is.”
All of the Backstreet Boys made an appearance on “Today” to promote their residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas. However, Brian Littrell made sure to give a shout-out to his son’s career, as well.
Baylee, a Georgia native, released his debut album, “770 Country,” in 2019, and followed up with “EP Vol One” in 2022. Both were released on BriLeigh Records, a label founded in 2001 by his parents, Brian and Leighanne Littrell.
Baylee is an actor, too, making his Broadway debut in “Disaster!” at age 13, and earning a 2016 nomination for a Drama Desk Award.
Father and son are quite close, if their social media posts are any indication. Most recently, Baylee paid tribute to his dad on Instagram, posting a celebratory message for Brian’s 50th birthday.
“Happy Birthday dad! I love you so much,” Baylee posted on Feb. 20. “Proud of the man you are and the strength that you show everyday. The big 50 and you are still knocking down jump shots and hitting threes. In all seriousness, I love seeing your hard work and dedication pay off and it will continue to for many years to come. Love you Dad.”
Brian responded in the comments, saying “Love you Bubba and thank you …. Thank you for inspiring me every day. I’m so proud of you …”
The new season of “Idol” premieres on Sunday, March 9, with a two-hour episode. Auditions will be featured during the first few weeks, but it’s unclear when Baylee will be shown singing for judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood.
Results from his audition haven’t been revealed in advance, of course, although spoiler posts are out there on reliable fan sites. (Early episodes for the season are filmed in advance.)
Watch Brain Littrell give his son props in the video below, filmed during one of Baylee’s concerts in 2019 in Woodstock, Georgia.
Jelly Roll has been recruited as an artist in residence on “Idol” this year, working with the Season 23 contestants. Also, Josh Groban and Ashanti will serve as mentors for the top 24 singers when the series moves to Hawaii for performances at the Disney Aulani Resort.
Several hopefuls from celebrity families have competed on “American Idol” over the years, including Emmy Russell, the granddaughter of country legend Loretta Lynn, who made the top five in 2024; and Nikko Smith, the son of baseball great Ozzie Smith, who made the top nine in 2005.
The list also includes Grace Franklin, the granddaughter of Aretha Franklin; Jane Carrey, the daughter of Jim Carrey; and Lara Johnston, the daughter of Tom Johnston of the Doobie Brothers. Jordin Sparks, who won the “Idol” crown in 2007, is the daughter of former New York Giants football player Phillippi Sparks.