Brian Littrell and his former bandmate from Backstreet Boys, Kevin Richardson, showed their public support for Brian’s son, Baylee Littrell, after he was eliminated from American Idol.
Baylee was eliminated from the show during a live episode on April 21, and his response on Instagram the next day received a heartfelt message from his father, Brian, aged 50. Brian commented, “Bubba I am and always will be in your corner. You are so strong and talented, and you inspire me every day. It’s not the end, but only the beginning for many to be blessed by your gifts….. you did great last night. 🔥❤️.”
Shortly after, in another Instagram post where Baylee, 22, performed a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Girl from the North Country,” Richardson, aged 53, showed his support by leaving a red heart emoji.
Brian, who formed Backstreet Boys in 1993 alongside Richardson, Nick Carter, A.J. McLean and Howie Dorough, remained by his son’s side throughout his 2025 American Idol journey. When Baylee auditioned for the competition, choosing to perform an original song of his own, Brian joined the audition to sing the song with him.
Baylee also addressed his father’s success and subsequent fame while appearing on the show, admitting that he felt pressure to succeed himself. “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,” Baylee told the cameras. “I remember being 8 or 9 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 off stage and when the guys went on, the screams and the lights went down. I was just mesmerized.”
Baylee, who made the top 20, was booted from the competition by judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan during the first live elimination of American Idol season 23.
Six contestants in total were asked to leave the show including Baylee and Zaylie Windsor, whom Underwood, 42, likened to a young Taylor Swift.
Baylee’s elimination was a tough pill to swallow for fans, who took to his Instagram comments section to show their support. “They don’t know what they lost on the show! But we are always behind you, and we will not let you go. The Baylee train is just beginning,” wrote one fan, while another commented, “How they’ve wasted your talent!! Better things are sure to come!! Keep shining with that voice!!”
Baylee acknowledged his growing fan base in his reaction Instagram post, sharing on Tuesday, “My American Idol journey has come to an end. Thank you so much to all that supported me this season. I love you all.”
