All of the Celebrity Kids Who Have Competed on American Idol

Thousands audition, millions vote and on May 18 one contestant will be crowned the country’s next American Idol. 

But season 23’s top five—Breanna Nix, Jamal Roberts, John Foster, Slater Nalley and Thunderstorm Artis—weren’t the only musicians making headlines this go-round.

Baylee Littrell, son of Backstreet Boys singer Brian Littrell, kicked off the new season in March by performing an original song on his guitar for judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.

After his emotional performance, the judges encouraged the 22-year-old to bring his dad out with him, and the duo sang the chorus of Baylee’s song 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. 

“I believe I get my voice from Dad, and hopefully I can do him justice today,” he shared. “I guess you can say music runs in our family. Dance moves-wise, that’s the one thing genetically that did not pass down.”

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.”