Backstreet’s back, alright. Thirty years after the Backstreet Boys released their first single, “We’ve Got It Goin’ On,” the son of member Brian Littrell is stepping into the spotlight. On February 14, 2025, Littrell told Today.com that his son, 22-year-old Baylee Littrell, will compete on season 23 of “American Idol.”
Though Baylee had posted previously that he auditioned for “Idol,” he couldn’t share whether he made it on the show. But his proud dad just spilled the beans while in New York with the Backstreet Boys.
“He’s actually on the new ‘American Idol’ this season, which is a little caveat of information,” he told Today.com about his son.
Spoiler Alert: If you do not want to know how Baylee Littrell did in the early weeks of competition, please do not read any further.
Brian Littrell & ‘American Idol’ Hinted at Baylee Littrell’s Progress on Show
On February 5, Baylee — who’s been aiming for years to build his career in country music — posted on Instagram that he had auditioned for “Idol.” Unable to reveal whether or not he earned a golden ticket from judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie, he simply encouraged his 174,000 followers to watch the March 9 premiere to see how he does.
Oddly enough, though, the “American Idol” social media account seemed to hint at Baylee moving ahead by replying to his post, “A true original! 🎤💙 See you soon.”
Meanwhile, as Baylee’s dad made press appearances in New York with the Backstreet Boys, the “American Idol” cast and crew were wrapping up in Hawaii, filming the latest round of competition for singers who’d made it through January’s Hollywood Week to advance to the Top 24.
Brian didn’t specifically say that Baylee had made it to the Hawaii round, but he did tell Today.com on February 14 that Baylee “was just texting me last night, going, ‘Dad, dude, how do you do this? Like, it’s hard work. 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.”
Meanwhile, MJ’s Big Blog, which posts highly reliable spoilers for “Idol” each season, reported on February 13 that Baylee did compete in Hawaii. The outlet received intel that he performed Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” for the live audience there. It’s not known if he made the next cut, to be in the Top 20.
Baylee Littrell Has Watched His Dad’s Career Up-Close for Years
EntertainmentNOW/GettyAfter a meteoric rise to mega-fame in the 90s, Brian Littrell married his wife Leighanne in 2000, per People. Two years later, they had Baylee, making Brian the first Backstreet Boy to become a dad.
Baylee spent lots of time with his parents on the road, and caught the music bug early. When he was little, he would sometimes introduce his dad and the Backstreet Boys before their shows.
In 2019, Baylee made his Broadway debut in the musical “Disaster!” and also released his first single, “Boxes,” according to his website. That same year, Baylee became the Backstreet Boys’ opening act on their “DNA Tour.”
“I’ve pretty much grown up on the road since I can remember,” Baylee told People in 2023. “So my first crib was a bunk on a tour bus. So really, my first memories are being out on the road and being abroad.”
Littrell also told the outlet that as he hit the road with the Backstreet Boys, they became idols he wanted to emulate.
“I had to be 6 or 7 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.'”
“American Idol” season 23 kicks off on March 9, with a shortened preview show airing after the Oscars on March 2.
Comments
Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell Confirms His Son is on New Season of ‘American Idol’