In a heartwarming turn of events, Baylee Littrell, son of Backstreet Boys singer Brian Littrell, kicked off season 23 of American Idol with an emotional performance that showcased the strong bond between him and his father.
Celebrity Kids Bring Fame to American Idol Season 23
Baylee Littrell’s Emotional Audition and Famous Family History
Baylee Littrell, son of Backstreet Boys singer Brian Littrell, kicked off season 23 of American Idol with an emotional performance on March 9. The 22-year-old contestant sang his original song on the guitar for judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie.
Baylee Littrell is an American singer and songwriter.
She is the daughter of Brian Littrell, a member of the Backstreet Boys.
Born on August 1, 2003, Baylee began performing at a young age and has released several singles.
Her music style blends elements of country, pop, and Christian genres.
With her father's influence, she has been exposed to the music industry from an early age.
Music Runs in Their Family
Baylee shared his motivation, giving his dad credit for being the one to get him excited about music—and for sharing some of his talent. ‘I believe I get my voice from Dad, and hopefully I can do him justice today,’ he said. ‘I guess you can say music runs in our family. Dance moves-wise, that’s the one thing genetically that did not pass down.’ He also recalled it was like to open for the Backstreet Boys on tour when he was younger.
Baylee’s Emotional Duet with His Dad
After his performance, the judges encouraged Baylee to bring his dad out with him, and the duo sang the chorus of Baylee’s song together. The emotional duet left Brian tearful, as he said, ‘I’m gonna cry.’ This heartwarming moment showcased the strong bond between Baylee and his father.
A Legacy of Fame
Baylee is not the only celebrity kid competing on American Idol season 23. Other famous contestants include Nikko Smith, son of baseball legend Ozzie Smith; Jordin Sparks, daughter of New York Giants player Phillippi Sparks; Lara Johnston, daughter of Doobie Brothers member Tom Johnston; and Claudia Conway, daughter of former Trump advisor George Conway.
Several celebrity children have participated in American Idol over the years. In 2012, Jessica Sanchez, a contestant on season 11, finished as the runner-up. “I was so nervous,” she said about her experience on the show. Jennifer Lopez's daughter Emme Muñiz auditioned for the show but did not make it past the initial round. Other notable mentions include Nicole Scherzinger's stepson, Christian Richard, and Adam Lambert's brother, Mark Lambert, who both attempted to audition.
A Family History of Music
Many of these celebrity kids have a strong background in music, with some even competing on the show before. For example, Jordin Sparks won season 6 of American Idol and has since become a successful singer-songwriter. Lara Johnston auditioned for season 10 but was eliminated, while Claudia Conway made it to the Hollywood round.
Jordin Sparks is an American singer, songwriter, and actress.
Born on December 22, 1989, in Phoenix, Arizona, she rose to fame after winning season six of 'American Idol' in 2007.
Her debut single 'No Air' with Chris Brown topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
She has released several successful albums, including 'Jordin Sparks' and 'Battlefield'.
Sparks has also made appearances on TV shows such as 'Hawaii Five-0' and 'The Suite Life of Zack and Cody'.
The Next Round
Baylee Littrell’s emotional performance and family history have set him up for success on American Idol season 23. With his dad by his side, he is ready to take on the competition and make a name for himself in the music industry.
