“Backstreet’s back, alright!” It’s not just a lyric, it’s real life. On this week’s episode of American Idol, the judges noticed this connection to the Backstreet Boys and it’s as sweet as they come.
Carrie Underwood, who joined season 23 of the series she won back in 2005 as a first-time judge, noticed a familiarity with one of the contestants that she just couldn’t shake. Turns out, she was right.
The contestant standing in front of the judges was 21-year-old Baylee Littrell, son of Backstreet Boys star, Brian Littrell, and the resemblance was uncanny. After revealing his roots, Littrell explained that he’s been in the spotlight for a bit longer than most.
Baylee used his audition time to perform a song he wrote called, “Waiting On Myself To Die,” an emotional song penned about wanting to give up but not letting it happen. If it wasn’t clear before the song, the Littrell family truly has a gift for singing.
Not only did fans get to see the son of the Backstreet Boys star perform an original song for his audition, but there was also a surprise duet with his father. Luke Bryan requested that Brian sing the chorus with his son and their voices together were pure magic. See the sweet audition below.
“I believe I get my voice from my dad,” Littrell said. “And hopefully I can do him justice today.”
The singer went on to explain that music is in his blood and that he grew up knowing this was the path for him.
“I guess you could say music runs in our family,” he shared. “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.”
Littrell shares his Backstreet Boys backstory
Not only is Baylee the son of a legendary musician, but he’s also already performed for a sold-out arena. As a child, he had the opportunity to sing to a crowd of people there to see his father.
“I remember being eight or nine years old and they sold out this huge arena and I got to open up for them. I just had my two little songs, and I came offstage. And when the guys went on, the screams… I was just mesmerized, and I thought ‘Oh my gosh, what is this?’”
But as everyone has experienced at one time or another, fear is often in the passenger seat.
“When you’re a kid you’re not afraid,” he said. “But when you start to get a little bit older, especially a teenager, you kind of get timid. At least I was.”
Brian added his own insight, explaining, “Obviously, growing up in the industry, a lot of people would look at that as such a perk, but it’s not easy.”
Brian Littrell on why he’s so proud of his son
While Baylee was hoping to make his parents proud with his audition, Brian had his own moment to declare how proud he is of his son already.
“I’ve always told everybody that he’s 10 times more talented than I ever was,” he shared. “He’s obviously grown up in the business and I think he’s cut out for it.”
