Backstreet Boy Brian Littrell confirms son Baylee Littrell auditioned for American Idol
Brian Littrell of the Backstreet Boys has confirmed what many fans suspected: his son, Baylee Littrell, auditioned for season 23 of American Idol and will appear on the show. Brian shared the news while promoting the band’s upcoming Las Vegas residency, telling the Today show that Baylee is “actually on the new ‘American Idol’ this season.”
Baylee, who performs country music, teased his audition on Instagram, writing that he recently had the chance to audition for American Idol and encouraging followers to tune in for the season premiere on March 9, 2025. The younger Littrell has been building a music career for years, and his appearance on the program marks a high-profile next step.
Brian responded to his son’s Instagram post with a supportive message in the comments: “Bubba I can’t wait!!!!! Good Luck we’re all counting on you hahaha.” He has also been helping Baylee prepare for the emotional and practical challenges of performing under public scrutiny. “He was just texting me last night, going, ‘Dad, dude, how do you do this? Like, it’s hard work,’” Brian told Today. “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.”
Baylee’s path to a music career began early. As a child he frequently traveled with his father on tour; Brian was the first member of the Backstreet Boys to become a parent, and he often brought Baylee onstage to introduce the band before concerts. Those early experiences shaped his interest in performing and gave him a unique glimpse into show business life.
Brian recalled an anecdote that shows how early that connection took root: when Baylee was about seven or eight, he saw a copy of the Backstreet Boys’ Millennium album in a store and exclaimed, “Oh, my gosh, that’s my dad!” Small moments like that helped fuel Baylee’s fascination with music and performing.
Baylee Littrell has been pursuing a career in music since childhood
Baylee’s entertainment resume includes a Broadway debut at 13 in the musical Disaster! and the release of his debut country album, 770-Country, in 2019. During the recording process he collaborated with writers and producers from the country world; he has recalled how country star Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line stopped by the studio to show his support and congratulate him on the record. That same year, Baylee joined the Backstreet Boys as an opening act on the DNA Tour, giving him exposure to large audiences and the realities of touring life.
Now, Baylee’s American Idol audition brings him to national television, where he will perform in front of the show’s judges and millions of viewers. The season’s panel features Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood, with Ryan Seacrest returning as host. This season also includes special guest roles: Jelly Roll serves as the show’s first Artist in Residence, while Ashanti and Josh Groban mentor the Top 24 performers.
Fans curious about Baylee’s progress on the show should pay attention to American Idol coverage and spoiler posts that track which contestants advance to the Top 24. If you follow the series, remember to respect other viewers by keeping any potential spoilers out of general comments—many people prefer to watch the competition without prior knowledge of results.
Note about spoilers: Please avoid posting contestant outcomes in public comment sections; keep spoiler discussion confined to dedicated spoiler threads so others can enjoy the show unspoiled.
American Idol season 23 premieres Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Episodes will be available for streaming on Hulu the following day. There will also be a special preview episode airing after the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, offering an early look at the season.
Brian Littrell’s public encouragement and behind-the-scenes guidance reflect a supportive parent’s role as his son steps into the spotlight. As Baylee continues to develop his craft—drawing on years of performance experience and family ties to the music industry—viewers will get to see how far his talent and hard work take him on American Idol.