Baylee Littrell auditions for ‘American Idol’. Photo:
Disney/Eric McCandless
Brian Littrell couldn’t be happier about his son’s budding career.
On Sunday, March 9, Littrell’s son, Baylee Littrell, auditioned to be a contestant on Season 23 of American Idol, marking a monumental moment for the 22-year-old country singer. During the emotional audition, Baylee sang an original song about wanting to give up, called “Waiting on Myself to Die.”
The proud dad, 50, was emotional throughout the entire audition, saying that he was “super proud” of his son, who had “obviously grown up in the business and he’s cut out for it.” Celebrity judge Luke Bryan asked the father-son duo if they ever sang a song together, which prompted Littrell to harmonize with this son.
The family affair ended with a golden ticket straight to Hollywood, causing the Backstreet Boys alum to tear up and beam with pride.
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During an interview earlier this year with Today , the Backstreet’s Back singer shared that his son was going to be starting his own career in the entertainment industry on this season of American Idol. Although Baylee grew up on the road touring with his dad, Littrell told the show that his son was getting a new sense of what it takes to make it in the industry.
“He was just texting me last night, going, ‘Dad, dude, how do you do this? Like, it’s hard work,’ ” Littrell said. “He’s been busting his butt and I’m super proud of him. He kind of gets a new sense of the reality of what this is.”
The young musician, whom Littrell shares with actress wife Leighanne Littrell, opened up in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE in April 2023 about growing up on the road and how his dad influenced his music career. Baylee recalled having some “completely out of the ordinary” yet “amazing” experiences while traveling with the iconic boyband.
“I got to introduce my dad at five years old,” he said. “And then when I was 10, I started opening up for them. I would sing two or three songs before the opener would come out and play their set. And then that transcended into 2019, being able to go on a 42-show run with them and be the official opening act. That was the experience of a lifetime.”
Baylee Littrell and his father Backstreet Boys star Brian Littrell. Disney/Eric McCandless
Baylee knew from an early age that he wanted to pursue music — dreaming of being the “sixth Backstreet Boy” when he would hang out backstage on tour. While he didn’t join his dad’s group, Baylee has a vivid memory of his father assuring him he’d have his own successful career one day.
“I had to be six or seven at the time and I’d go crash the wardrobe closet and put on their outfits and stuff before shows,” he told PEOPLE. “I have a memory of myself standing in front of a mirror in my dad’s show outfit and I was like, ‘Hey, can I be a part of the group?’ And he put his hands on my shoulders and he was like, ‘One day. One day you’re going to get your shot.’ “
Baylee first announced he was going to be on this season of American Idol on Instagram on Feb. 5. The “Lonesome Cowboy” singer shared a picture of the show’s infamous sign and added one of him playing the guitar.
“Well guys😁recently I had the opportunity to audition for @americanidol 🙏🏼,” he wrote in the caption. “Tune in to see the season premiere and what happens on 3/9/25!”
