Baylee Littrell isn’t playing games when it comes to his experience on American Idol.
Backstreet Boys member Brian Littrell confirmed his son will be auditioning for season 23 of the singing competition show, premiering on ABC Sunday, March 9.
“He’s actually on the new American Idol this season, which is a little caveat of information,” Brian shared with Today.com in February. “He 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.”
While Brian can’t share details about his son’s experience in front of judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, Baylee recently teased what’s to come on the ABC reality show.
All the Tense ‘American Idol’ Moments Between Contestants and Judges
“Well guys
recently I had the opportunity to audition for @americanidol 
,” he wrote via Instagram. “Tune in to see the season premiere and what happens on 3/9/25!”
Keep reading to learn more about Baylee’s music career ahead of his American Idol debut:
Baylee Littrell’s Experience on Broadway
Long before competing on American Idol, Baylee had the opportunity to make his Broadway debut at just 13 years old. Brian’s only child was a featured actor in the 2016 production of Disaster!, which also starred Rent alum Adam Pascal.
“I am extremely proud of our son’s Broadway debut and the young man he is becoming! Not only because of how talented he truly is, but for his work ethic as well,” Brian told E! News at the time. “Baylee has spent the majority of his life on the road which has proven to better prepare him for life both on and off the stage.”
Baylee’s Experience With the Backstreet Boys
When he was a kid, Baylee had the opportunity to go on the road with BSB and introduce them before shows.
“I got to introduce my dad at 5 years old,” Baylee told People in 2023. “And then when I was 10, I started opening up for them. I would sing two or three songs before the opener would come out and play their set. And then that transcended into 2019, being able to go on a 42-show run with them and be the official opening act. That was the experience of a lifetime.”
Don’t Call Baylee a Nepo Baby
Despite having a famous father who continues to perform with BSB, Baylee said he is paying his dues and finding success with his own hard work.
“You do get your foot in the door when your dad’s a Backstreet Boy, but also it’s been just as hard to make it as it has been a blessing because some people won’t even give me a chance because of who my dad is,” Baylee told E! News in September 2022. “I have something to offer. I’ve been busting my butt for almost five years and I’ve been trying to make an impact.”
Baylee Has Collaborated With Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard
Before Baylee released his debut album, 770-Country, in 2019, the singer had the opportunity to record tracks by Hubbard.
“I was recording and Corey [Crowder] stopped the track and said, ‘Come in. Tyler’s here.’ I was like, ‘What!?’” Baylee recalled to Variety in November 2019. “I opened the studio door and Tyler goes, ‘Hey, man. I just want you to know that me and [Brian Kelley] support you and we’re excited for your record.’ It was one of the best memories from recording.”
Baylee’s Definition of Success
While some artists are focused on radio airplay and awards, Baylee previously shared his perspective on what he sees as a win in the music industry.
“And at the end of the day, it’s not about fame and fortune,” he told E! News. “It’s about the outreach to people and how your music affects them. And at the end of the day, my goal is not to reach any mountaintop. It’s just for one person to look back and say, ‘Hey, this guy’s music helped me along the way.’ As long as I have that outreach, then my job is done.”
