Backstreet Boys star Brian Littrell‘s son, Baylee Littrell, shared insight into what inspired his song choice on the special Easter episode of American Idol.
After learning he made the top 20 during the Sunday, April 20, broadcast, the 22-year-old performed “Gone Without Goodbye” from his dad’s 2006 solo album, Welcome Home. Brian, 50, and his wife, Leighanne Wallace, were shown tearing up in the audience as Baylee sang.
When host Ryan Seacrest asked about the meaning behind the song, Baylee shared its emotional connection to his family.
“It means a great deal to us,” he said. “That song is really dedicated to [the] tragedy [of] 9/11, you know, all the victims that it affected.”
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Baylee pointed out that his mother “was supposed to be on the second flight” that struck the World Trade Center in September 2001. “I feel incredibly lucky,” he continued. “It’s an emotional song. I’m just glad I got through it.”
Judge Lionel Richie could be heard saying, “Wow,” in the background as Baylee shared his family’s story. Richie, 75, encouraged Baylee to challenge himself as the competition continues.
“There’s no luck here at this point, from here on out,” Richie reminded the Idol hopeful.
Carrie Underwood praised Baylee for delivering “one of your best performances so far,” adding that she hopes to hear more of his “powerful tone” in the future. “I feel you growing and getting more confidence on stage in front of all these people the more we see you, which is really great,” she said.
Baylee has been taking the judges — and Idol fans — by surprise since his audition aired in March. “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 in a confessional while discussing Brian’s time in the Backstreet Boys.
Brian went on to get emotional about his son’s own talent, saying, “Obviously, growing up in the industry, a lot of people look at that as such a perk. But it’s not easy … I think he’s cut out for it.”
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During his audition, Baylee took a risk by performing a song he wrote himself. Brian was later invited into the room to sing along with his son before the judges sent him through to the next round.
Baylee continued to honor his family with another original song during Hollywood Week. “When your family’s in the music business, it opens a lot of doors. But it also creates a lot of animosity,” he admitted. “So my big thing here is I’m here to make this on my own and carve my path.”
His performance was dedicated to his late grandmother, who died years prior. “I thought she was going to be around for moments like this,” he said. “I never expected to lose her, so when I did, I questioned everything and I pushed away faith … this song kind of helped me find it.”
American Idol airs on ABC Sundays and Mondays at 8 p.m. ET.
