Brian Littrell Addresses Son Baylee’s Departure from American Idol

Brian Littrell and his former Backstreet Boys bandmate Kevin Richardson have openly shown their support for Brian’s son, Baylee Littrell, following his elimination from American Idol.

After being eliminated during a live segment of the competition on Monday, April 21, Baylee shared his thoughts on Instagram the next day, prompting an outpouring of love from his father, who is 50. Brian wrote, “Bubba, I will always be in your corner. You are incredibly strong and talented, and you inspire me every day. This is not the end; it’s just the beginning for many to be touched by your gifts… you were amazing last night. 🔥❤️.”

Just three hours later, he commented on another Instagram post where 22-year-old Baylee covered Bob Dylan’s “Girl from the North Country,” simply sharing a red heart emoji.

Brian, who co-founded the Backstreet Boys in 1993 alongside Richardson, Nick Carter, A.J. McLean, and Howie Dorough, remained a steadfast presence for his son throughout Baylee’s American Idol 2025 journey. When Baylee auditioned with one of his original songs, Brian joined him on stage to help perform it.

In his comments, Baylee reflected on the pressure of following in his father’s renowned footsteps, noting, “It’s intimidating to try to match my dad’s extraordinary career; it’s one of the most remarkable in music history. No one can ever truly compare.” He recalled being just 8 or 9 years old and opening for his dad’s sold-out concert, feeling mesmerized by the experience of watching the crowd and lights when his father took the stage.

Baylee reached the top 20 but ultimately faced elimination on the first live elimination episode of season 23 of American Idol, with judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan making the decision.

A total of six contestants, including Baylee and Zaylie Windsor, were eliminated, with Underwood, 42, comparing Zaylie to a young Taylor Swift.

Baylee’s elimination was disappointing for fans, who expressed their support in the comments on his Instagram post. One fan remarked, “They just don’t realize what they lost with you on the show! We will always stand by you, and the Baylee train is just getting started,” while another noted, “What a waste of your talent!! Greater opportunities will come!! Keep shining with that incredible voice!!”

Baylee recognized his expanding fanbase in his Instagram statement, saying, “My American Idol journey has come to an end. Thank you so much to everyone who supported me this season. I love you all.”