Brian Littrell Opens Up On Displeasure Of Son Baylee’s ‘American Idol’ Audition
By
John Witiw
July 4, 2025
American Idol News Reality TV
Brian Littrel - YouTube
During Season 23 of American Idol, many fans were introduced to contestant Baylee Littrell. The singer, who has music in his blood, even made headlines when his famous father Brian appeared during his audition. Since then, Brian has opened up about his son’s time on the show.
Baylee Littrell Got To Sing With His Father During His American Idol Audition
Baylee first appeared on American Idol while auditioning in Nashville. Ultimately finishing in the Top 20, he performed songs like “Happy” by Pharrell Williams and an original song called “Hey Jesus.”
Baylee is the son of Brian Littrell, who was famously a member of the Backstreet Boys. In fact, as many American Idol fans can recall, Brian himself famously made an appearance during his son’s Nashville audition.
Ryan Secrest, Baylee Littrell, Leighanne Brian Littrell-Instagram
Ryan Secrest, Baylee Littrell, Leighanne Brian Littrell – Instagram
During the audition, judge Luke Bryan had asked Baylee if his father ever sang with him. After Baylee assured that he does, Bryan asked if Brian would sing with his son.
Baylee brought his dad into the audition room and the two performed a chorus as a duet, to the delight of the judges. At the time, Carrie Underwood noted that such an act would normally make a contestant look bad, but Baylee pulled it off. Brian was also there as his son received his golden ticket.
Brian recently looked back at his son’s time on the show during a recent conversation with Parade. He revealed that he originally didn’t want his son to even audition for the competition series.
One Of Brian Littrell’s Bandmates Also Talked About Baylee’s Time On The Show
Brian explained, “To be honest with you, I didn’t want him to do it at first, but they courted him for a couple of years. They were like, ‘Come and audition,’ and he was like, ‘Nah.’ I don’t think he was ready at that time, but he did well. He stepped up. He’s super professional. He’s just a great individual. He’s just a great person. He has a heart of gold, and he’s super talented.”
While Baylee’s time on the show was short-lived, Brian shared his pride in his son, noting, “I get choked up a little bit when I talk about my boy. He’s just [the] most inspiring thing in my life right now. He inspires me more than anything. Top 20 isn’t a bad thing out of 124,000.”
Brian also couldn’t resist a little promotion for his son’s music. He noted, “Let me just take this shameless plug really quick: His first single comes out [July 24]. It’s called ‘Hey Jesus.’ Check that out.”
In addition, Brian’s bandmates also shared their support for Baylee. AJ McLean shared, “We’ve known Baylee his whole life, so to watch him come from singing with us during soundcheck to opening up for us back in the day to now, having his own career… He’s an incredible songwriter. It’s unbelievable, the level of talent. Obviously, the apple didn’t fall far. Honestly, he did fantastic in my opinion.”
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