When it comes to his bandmate Brian Littrell’s son, Baylee, and his musical career, AJ McLean says the aspiring artist doesn’t need anyone’s advice.
“I mean, I’ve known Baylee since he was born,” McLean, 47, exclusively told Us Weekly while promoting Netflix’s Building the Band. “I’ve known him for 22 years of his life on this beautiful planet. He doesn’t really need any advice from any of us. If anything, I’m such a big fan.”
Baylee delighted Backstreet Boys fans when he joined the latest season of American Idol, singing both original songs and renditions of his famous father’s work. (He was one of six contestants ultimately not selected to proceed to the singing competition’s top 14 round.)
Before his elimination, Baylee sang the song “Gone Without Goodbye” from his father’s 2006 solo album, Welcome Home.
Baylee Littrell Says Singing Dad Brian’s Song on ‘Idol’ Was ‘Bittersweet’
“It means a great deal to us,” the younger singer told host Ryan Seacreast at the time. “That song is really dedicated to [the] tragedy [of] 9/11, you know, all the victims that it affected.”
Baylee went on to explain that his mother, Leighanne, 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.”
McLean — who sang alongside Brian, Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson and Howie Dorough in the beloved early aughts band — told Us that he is “always going to root” for Baylee as he takes his next, post-American Idol steps.
“Last time I was in Georgia, I was in the studio with T-Pain working on my solo project and I went to Brian’s house just to kind of kick it, and Baylee sat there and played 15 songs, all different types of music,” he continued. “I mean, he’s got a catalog of probably three to 400 songs he’s written that are all insanely good. He knows what he wants and he knows what’s right and wrong. He’s seen his dad go through it; his uncles go through it. He’s seen a lot in 22 years, but he’s in his own lane and in my mind he’s already a massive success because he is his own person.”
In an exclusive interview with Us following his elimination, Baylee opened up about his time on Idol and how difficult it was to compete as a famous Backstreet Boys’ son.
Brian Littrell Cries Over Son’s ‘Idol’ Audition, Performs Surprise Duet
“It was hard to make friends, and it was hard for people to understand me because a lot of people, they did have preconceived notions of how I would be,” he explained at the time. “And that’s one of the emotional parts of leaving — finally people get to see who you are. And finally we kind of set our differences aside or our assumptions of each other and all just started to bond.”
Despite the challenges, Baylee told Us he had “a great experience” on the show. And if his uncle McLean has anything to say about it, his time on the reality competition series will hardly be the last time we see the future star.
“He can sing and do anything, honestly,” McLean told Us. “I mean, he’s just beyond talented.”
