Backstreet Boys' Brian Littrell Is 'Super Proud' of Son Baylee, 22, for 'Busting His Butt' on Upcoming Season ofIdol

Mar. 15, 2025

Brian Littrell and his son Baylee Littrell.Photo:bayleelittrell_music/Instagram

bayleelittrell_music/Instagram

Backstreet Boys' Brian Littrell isn’t the only one starting anew musical venturein 2025.The proud dad, 49,shared withTodaythat his sonBaylee Littrell, 22, is going to be starting his own career in the entertainment industry on the upcoming season ofAmerican Idol. Although Baylee grew up on the road touring with his dad, Littrell told the outlet that his son is getting a new sense of what it takes to make it in the industry.“He was just texting me last night, going, ‘Dad, dude, how do you do this? Like, it’s hard work,’ ” Littrell told the outlet. “He’s been busting his butt, and I’m super proud of him. He kind of gets a new sense of reality of what this is.”Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Brian Littrell and his son Baylee Littrell.bayleelittrell_music/InstagramFor Baylee, music has been at the forefront of his life. In anexclusive interview with PEOPLEin April 2023, the 22-year-old country singer opened up about growing up on the road and how his dad influenced his music career.“I’ve pretty much grown up on the road since I can remember. So my first crib was a bunk on a tour bus,” Baylee told PEOPLE. “So really, my first memories are being out on the road and being abroad.“Baylee, whom Littrell shares withactress wife Leighanne Littrell, recalled having some “completely out of the ordinary” yet “amazing” experiences while on the road with the boyband.“I got to introduce my dad at 5 years old,” he shared. “And then when I was 10, I started opening up for them. I would sing two or three songs before the opener would come out and play their set. And then that transcended into 2019, being able to go on a 42-show run with them and be the official opening act. That was the experience of a lifetime.“Brian Littrell, his wife Leighanne Littrell and their son Baylee Littrell.bayleelittrell_music/InstagramBeing on the road and performing on tour was an “out-of-body experience” for Baylee. He knew from an early age that he wanted to pursue music — dreaming of being the “sixth Backstreet Boy” when he would hang out backstage on tour. While he didn’t join his dad’s group, Baylee has a vivid memory of his father assuring him he’d have his own successful career one day.“I had to be 6 or 7 at the time and I’d go crash the wardrobe closet and put on their outfits and stuff before shows,” he told PEOPLE. “I have a memory of myself standing in front of a mirror in my dad’s show outfit and I was like, ‘Hey, can I be a part of the group?’ And he put his hands on my shoulders and he was like, ‘One day. One day you’re going to get your shot.'““He definitely has had a huge impact and influence on my music,” he added of his dad. “So does my mom, she can write some amazing music herself. I always have their perspective. They’re always there for me if I ask, but they let me do my own thing, which I appreciate.”

Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell isn’t the only one starting anew musical venturein 2025.

The proud dad, 49,shared withTodaythat his sonBaylee Littrell, 22, is going to be starting his own career in the entertainment industry on the upcoming season ofAmerican Idol. Although Baylee grew up on the road touring with his dad, Littrell told the outlet that his son is getting a new sense of what it takes to make it in the industry.

“He was just texting me last night, going, ‘Dad, dude, how do you do this? Like, it’s hard work,’ ” Littrell told the outlet. “He’s been busting his butt, and I’m super proud of him. He kind of gets a new sense of reality of what this is.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Brian Littrell and his son Baylee Littrell.bayleelittrell_music/Instagram

For Baylee, music has been at the forefront of his life. In anexclusive interview with PEOPLEin April 2023, the 22-year-old country singer opened up about growing up on the road and how his dad influenced his music career.

“I’ve pretty much grown up on the road since I can remember. So my first crib was a bunk on a tour bus,” Baylee told PEOPLE. “So really, my first memories are being out on the road and being abroad.”

Baylee, whom Littrell shares withactress wife Leighanne Littrell, recalled having some “completely out of the ordinary” yet “amazing” experiences while on the road with the boyband.

“I got to introduce my dad at 5 years old,” he shared. “And then when I was 10, I started opening up for them. I would sing two or three songs before the opener would come out and play their set. And then that transcended into 2019, being able to go on a 42-show run with them and be the official opening act. That was the experience of a lifetime.”

Brian Littrell, his wife Leighanne Littrell and their son Baylee Littrell.bayleelittrell_music/Instagram

Being on the road and performing on tour was an “out-of-body experience” for Baylee. He knew from an early age that he wanted to pursue music — dreaming of being the “sixth Backstreet Boy” when he would hang out backstage on tour. While he didn’t join his dad’s group, Baylee has a vivid memory of his father assuring him he’d have his own successful career one day.

“I had to be 6 or 7 at the time and I’d go crash the wardrobe closet and put on their outfits and stuff before shows,” he told PEOPLE. “I have a memory of myself standing in front of a mirror in my dad’s show outfit and I was like, ‘Hey, can I be a part of the group?’ And he put his hands on my shoulders and he was like, ‘One day. One day you’re going to get your shot.'”

“He definitely has had a huge impact and influence on my music,” he added of his dad. “So does my mom, she can write some amazing music herself. I always have their perspective. They’re always there for me if I ask, but they let me do my own thing, which I appreciate.”

source: people.com