Backstreet Boy’s Son Sings For Jesus On TV
Baylee Littrell, son of Backstreet Boys member Brian Littrell, moved audiences and judges alike during Hollywood Week on American Idol with a heartfelt original song titled Hey Jesus. The 21-year-old shared that he wrote the ballad during a difficult chapter in his life, following the passing of his grandmother—someone he described as his best friend and biggest support while his father was away on tour. Her death caused him to lose his connection to faith for a time, but writing the song helped him find his way back spiritually.
The emotional performance resonated deeply with viewers and the judges. Lyrics from the song reflected Baylee’s journey through grief and spiritual struggle, calling out to Jesus for help and expressing surrender. As he sang, his parents watched tearfully from the audience. Judges Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie praised not only his talent but also the vulnerability and authenticity in his performance, with Underwood calling it “so good” and Richie noting the strength of the lyrics and the sincere dialogue with God portrayed in the song.
Baylee’s performance earned him a spot in the Showstoppers round, and he celebrated the milestone with excitement on social media. His journey on American Idol comes in the footsteps of his father, Brian Littrell, who has long been open about his Christian faith. Brian released a Christian album in 2006 and has shared publicly about his spiritual experiences, including a memorable baptism in the Jordan River during a visit to Israel with his wife.
The younger Littrell’s experience is part of a broader trend on this season of American Idol, which has featured several contestants openly expressing their faith. One of them is 17-year-old Canaan Hill from Texas, who impressed the judges with a powerful gospel song and was awarded a platinum ticket. His performance, like Baylee’s, reflected the importance of faith and personal conviction on the Idol stage.
American Idol has a history of showcasing Christian talent, with notable past contestants like Carrie Underwood, Colton Dixon, Lauren Daigle, Danny Gokey, and the late Mandisa all being open about their beliefs. As Colton Dixon once noted, for many churchgoing families, watching American Idol became a weekly tradition—one that often reflected deeper spiritual journeys shared between the singers and their audiences.