Backstreet Boy’s Son Reveals Heart-Wrenching Reason Behind Emotional Idol Performance

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Baylee Littrell’s recent American Idol performance held a significance that may not have been apparent to some spectators.

The son of Backstreet Boys member Brian Littrell and Leighanne Littrell recently made it to the top 20 on this season’s talent competition by performing “Gone Without Goodbye,” a song from his father’s 2006 solo album titled “Welcome Home.

However, following the performance – a spectacle that moved both Brian and Leighanne as they sat in the audience studio – during a conversation with host Ryan Seacrest, it was then that Baylee, aged 22, disclosed the profound significance hidden within her song selection.

He expressed that his family holds significant importance to him, and the song was written in remembrance of the 9/11 tragedy, encompassing all those who were impacted by it.

Baylee shared a poignant story about how his mom was scheduled to be on the plane that collided with the World Trade Center towers in September 2001. He feels unbelievably fortunate, he said, as if fate intervened. It’s a deeply emotional song for him, and he’s simply grateful to have made it through.

While he explained the tale hidden within the song, the camera shifted to Leighanne, who touched a finger to her lips and directed it upward while the audience saw judge Lionel Richie utter “Wow” with tears glistening in her eyes.

Regarding Baylee’s performance, Carrie Underwood, who claimed victory during the fourth season all the way back in 2005, commended his vocal skills and encouraged him to keep challenging himself as his self-assurance increases.

She praised him, saying, “That was, without a doubt, one of your finest performances yet, vocally speaking. Your voice carries a beautiful, strong resonance when you decide to engage it fully. I’m eager for more of that depth, and I can sense your growing confidence as you perform in front of this audience. With each passing show, you seem to blossom even further.

In his evaluation, the third judge, similar to Luke Bryan, expressed a desire to discover more about Baylee each time they observe her performance by saying, “I aim to gather as much knowledge as possible about you with every performance I watch.

Keep reading for more American Idol contestants with celebrity parents…

The competitor took care to commend Brian on his exceptional career with the Backstreet Boys and discussed the difficulties one faces when attempting to enter the music industry following in his footsteps.

Baylee expressed that it’s terrifying for them to follow in their father’s career path as they see it as one of the most remarkable in music history. No one, in their opinion, could possibly match up.

He continued, “I truly yearn for a different path, but without music, I simply cannot live authentically.

Keep reading for more American Idol contestants with celebrity parents…

Born to the legendary Major League Baseball star, Ozzie Smith, Nikko showcased his vocal talents in Season 4 of “American Idol,” performing Stevie Wonder’s hit song “All I Do.

Nikko made it to the top nine before he was eliminated. 

Jordin, who is the daughter of former New York Giants player Phillippi Sparks, took part in season 6 of ‘American Idol’. Her audition was held in Seattle, Washington, where she sang Celine Dion’s “Because You Love Me”.

She got affirmative responses from Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson, which ultimately led her to victory in that particular season.

Since 2007, the “Battlefield” singer has released numerous hit tracks and earned a Grammy nomination in 2009 for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals, shared with Chris Brown for “No Air.” In 2024, she also received a Grammy nod for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song, collaborating with For King & Country on “Love Me Like I Am.

In season 10, Lara, the daughter of Tom Johnston from The Doobie Brothers, performed Stevie Wonder’s “All I Do” during an audition held in San Francisco, California.

She made it to the Hollywood round and was eliminated. 

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to share that the daughter of comedian Jim Carrey, named Jane, showcased her talent during season 11. She chose to perform Bonnie Raitt’s “Something to Talk About” on a stage in sunny San Diego, California.

Jane made it to the first round of Hollywood week before being eliminated. 

As a devoted fan, I’d like to share that the daughter of the esteemed former St. Louis Cardinals player, Joe Magrane, graced the stage in season 11 of a popular competition series. She captivated the audience with her soulful rendition of Etta James’ classic hit, “Something’s Got a Hold on Me.” Remarkably, all three judges were thoroughly impressed, extending their resounding approval to her exceptional performance.

Shannon secured a spot in the top 11 before she was sent home. 

Gianna, the offspring of ’80s pop sensation Brenda K. Starr, tried out for season 15 of the show. She sang her mother’s famous tune “I Still Believe,” leaving the judges astonished with her performance.

The New Jersey contestant finished with a place in the top ten. 

Born to pianist and “Great Balls of Fire” composer Jack Hammer, Amelia was a contestant in season 16 of American Idol. In Savannah, Georgia, she sang “Gimme Shelter” by The Rolling Stones, earning a yes from judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan.

She secured a spot in the top 24 before being eliminated. 

Claudia, the child of Kellyanne Conway (a previous Senior Counselor for President Donald Trump) and George Conway (who offered advice to Trump), tried out for Season 19.

On November 16th, Katy shared an Instagram post, stating, “Here we go! Claudia has taken the plunge and auditioned for American Idol.

The influencer performed “When We Were Young” by Adele and “Love on the Brain” by Rihanna during their audition. Although Luke gave them a ‘no’, Katy and Lionel both approved, moving them forward in the competition. However, Claudia was ultimately eliminated before reaching the Hollywood round.

For Season 20, Ava, daughter of Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, showcased her talent by singing Stevie Wonder’s “Lately.” Impressed by her performance, all three judges advanced her to the next round, known as Hollywood.

She advanced to the final 14, performing “Sign of the Times” by Harry Styles, however, unfortunately, her performance didn’t manage to secure her a spot in the ongoing competition.

In addition to the season 20 lineup, we’ll see Leah, daughter of Honeymoon Suite guitarist Derry Grehan, who sang “Steal My Girl” by One Direction during her Nashville audition, advancing to the next round.

In the competition, she advanced as a finalist, performing “Cover Me” by Bruce Springsteen and an original tune titled “Flowers,” however, she was ultimately disqualified.

Lyric Mederios, the daughter of singer Glenn Mederios, attempted to impress the judges during season 21 in Nashville with Kelsea Ballerini’s “Love Me Like You Mean It.” However, Katy Perry suggested she try a more challenging song, and so she opted for Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats.

Luke abstained his vote, while Katy and Lionel advanced Luke to the following stage. However, Lyric didn’t make it far and was quickly eliminated during the Hollywood round.

Juan Pablo, who graduated from college as a Bachelor alum, shared that his daughter Camila tried out for season 22 of American Idol by performing Joaquina’s “Rabia.” However, before she took the stage, Juan confessed he felt anxious about his daughter stepping into the limelight.

When the chance arose, he mentioned, ‘She expressed her desire to take part.’ I responded, ‘I’m not sure if she’s old enough for this.’ That was last year. I said, ‘Perhaps next year then.’ Now, look at her! So, we’ll have to wait and see how things unfold.

In a turn of events, Lionel opted against her advancement when it was his decision, yet both Katy and Luke supported her progression to the subsequent phase. Nonetheless, she eventually faced elimination during Hollywood Week.

In the tradition of her renowned country music grandma, Loretta Lynn, Emmy showcased her original song “Skinny” during season 22 auditions, a piece that delved into her struggles with eating disorders. Her captivating performance earned her a coveted golden ticket from Lionel, Katy, and Luke, who were astounded to discover her famous grandmother’s true identity.

Patsy Lynn Russell, who was part of the country duo known as The Lynns along with her twin sister Peggy Lynn, came to join her backstage.

Speaking as a lifestyle expert, I find myself in complete agreement with Patsy’s sentiment. When my child decided to try out for American Idol, it was all about authenticity. You see, when you’re born into a musical family, the legacy casts a towering shadow. The question isn’t how to fill those shoes, but rather, how to create your own unique footprint. In essence, you don’t aim to match the past; instead, you strive to carve out your own path and make your own mark in the world of music.

1) Katy admired the show and complimented her: “You’re an exceptional songwriter, just like your grandma. It seems you have been blessed with this gift.”

Emmy advanced to the Top 5 as a finalist in season 22, however, she didn’t end up winning the competition.

Baylee tried out for the competition show on March 9th, singing in front of a new judge named Carrie Underwood and returning judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. His father, former Backstreet Boys member Brian Littrell, also performed with him during the chorus of an original song.

All three judges voted yes for Baylee, advancing him into the next round of season 23. 

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2025-04-21 20:17