Celebrity Kids Take the Stage: Baylee Littrell Shines on American Idol!

American Idol’s newest contestant has some famous DNA.

Baylee Littrell, son of Backstreet Boys singer Brian Littrell, kicked off season 23 with his audition on March 9, performing an original song on his guitar for judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.

Following a heartfelt presentation, the judges motivated the 22-year-old to invite his father on stage, and they harmoniously sang the refrain of Baylee’s tune together.

Fittingly, Baylee shared his motivation, giving his dad credit for being the one to get him excited about music—and for sharing some of his talent.

The person is saying that he thinks his singing ability comes from his father and hopes to do well today. He also mentioned that when it comes to dance moves, it doesn’t seem like a talent that was passed down in their family genetically.

He added, “Following in my dad’s footsteps is scary, because his career, to me, is one of the most extraordinary in music history. No one can ever compare.”

The singer-songwriter also recalled it was like to open for the Backstreet Boys on tour when he was younger.

“I remember being 8 or 9 years old and they sold out this huge arena and I got to open up for them,” Baylee explained. “I just had my two little songs, and I came off stage and when the guys went on the screams and the lights went down. I was just mesmerized. I thought, ‘Oh, my gosh. What is this.’”

After their duet, Brian saw Carrie, Lionel, and Luke nod excitedly to let Baylee proceed in the competition, which made the boy band alum feel emotional.

“I’m gonna cry,” he said. “I’m crying.”

Progressing to the next stage, it’s not just Baylee who has a famous background among the contestants on the long-running competition show. Keep reading to discover other American Idol alums with celebrity families…

Son of the Hall of Famer Major League Baseball player Ozzie Smith, Nikko competed on season 4 of American Idol, singing Stevie Wonder’s “All I Do.”

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

Jordin, daughter of New York Giants alum Phillippi Sparks, competed on season 6 of American Idol. She auditioned in Seattle, Washington, performing Celine Dion’s “Because You Loved Me.”

She received a yes from judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, and she went on to win the season.

Since competing in 2007, the “Battlefield” singer has dropped several hit songs and received a Grammy nomination in 2009 for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals for “No Air,” her duet with Chris Brown and in 2024 for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for“Love Me Like I Am” With For King & Country.

In season 10, the daughter of Doobie Brothers member Tom Johnston Lara sang Stevie Wonder’s “All I Do” in a San Francisco, California audition.

She made it to the Hollywood round and was eliminated.

Comedian Jim Carrey’s daughter Jane was a season 11 contestant, singing Bonnie Raitt’s “Something to Talk About” in San Diego, California.

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

Previously with the St. Louis Cardinals, Joe Magrane’s daughter Shannon was a contestant in season 11 of the competition series. She sang Etta James’ “Something’s Got a Hold on Me,” and earned a yes from all three judges.

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

Gianna, daughter of ‘80s pop star Brenda K. Starr, auditioned forseason 15 of the series. She performed her mother’s hit song “I Still Believe,” and she wowed the judges.

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

Amelia, daughter of pianist and “Great Balls of Fire” songwriter Jack Hammer, was a season 16 contestant on American Idol. She performed “Gimme Shelter” by The Rolling Stones in Savannah, Georgia, where judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan all gave her a yes.

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

Claudia, daughter of Kellyanne Conway (former Senior Counselor for President Donald Trump) and George Conway (who served as an advisor to Trump) auditioned for season 19.

Katy announced the audition on a Nov. 16 Instagram story, saying, “Well, well, well, let the games begin because Claudia just tried out for American Idol.”

Claudia initially auditioned with covers of Adele’s “When We Were Young” and Rihanna’s “Love on the Brain.” However, she received a ‘no’ from Luke, but both Katy and Lionel showed their approval. Eventually, she made it to the Hollywood round, only to be eliminated later in the competition.

Ava, daughter of Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, auditioned for season 20 with Stevie Wonder’s “Lately.” She wowed all three judges, who sent her to the Hollywood round.

She made it to the top 14, singing “Sign of the Times” by Harry Styles, but, alas, it was not enough to keep her in the competition.

In season 20 as well, Leah – daughter of Honeymoon Suite guitarist Derry Grehan – will be participating. During her audition in Nashville, she sang “Steal My Girl” by One Direction, which earned her a place in the next round.

She became a finalist for the season, singing “Cover Me” by Bruce Springsteen and her original song “Flowers,” but was eliminated.

Lyric, daughter of singer Glenn Mederios, auditioned for season 21 in Nashville with the song “Love Me Like You Mean It” by Kelsea Ballerini. However, Katy wanted to see her perform another song more challenging, performing Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats.”

In a twist, Luke cast a ‘no’ vote, while Katy and Lionel advanced Luke to the following stage. However, Lyric didn’t make it far, getting eliminated not long after in the Hollywood round.

Bachelor alum Juan Pablo’s daughter Camila auditioned for season 22 of American Idol with a performance of Joaquina’s “Rabia.” But before she sang, Juan admitted he was nervous for his daughter to enter the public eye.

When the chance arose, he said, ‘I’m not sure if you’re old enough.’ That was last year, and I replied, ‘Perhaps next year.’ Now, here she is. So, we’ll have to wait and see what happens.

Lionel didn’t approve when it came to her, but Katy and Luke chose to advance her further. Regrettably, she was eliminated during Hollywood Week.

Following in the footsteps of her music legend grandmother Loretta Lynn, Emmy auditioned for season 22 with her own original song “Skinny” about her experience with eating disorders. The performance secured her a golden ticket from Lionel, Katy and Luke, who were all shocked to learn her grandmother’s true identity.

Patsy Lynn Russell, who was part of the country duo The Lynns alongside her twin sister Peggy Lynn, came backstage to see her.

“She just wanted to do this honestly,” Patsy said of her daughter’s decision to audition for American Idol. “I think that when you come from a musical family, the shadow is so big. ‘How do I fill those shoes?’ Well the deal is, you don’t. You make your own shadow.”

Katy loved the performance, praising her: “You’re an A+ songwriter. So was your grandma. You got the gift.” Emmy secured a spot in the Top 5 as a season 22 finalist, but ultimately did not win the season.

Baylee auditioned for the competition series March 9, performing fornew judge Carrie Underwood, and returning judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. He performed his original song, and his father, Backstreet Boys alum Brian Littrell, joined him on stage to sing the chorus.

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

2025-03-16 17:24

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