American Idol’s newest contestant has some famous DNA.

Baylee Littrell, son of Backstreet Boys singer Brian Littrell, kicked off season 23 with his audition on March 9, performing an original song on his guitar for judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.

After his emotional performance, the judges encouraged the 22-year-old to bring his dad out with him, and the duo sang the chorus of Baylee’s song together.

Fittingly, Baylee shared his motivation, giving his dad credit for being the one to get him excited about music—and for sharing some of his talent.

“I believe I get my voice from Dad, and hopefully I can do him justice today,” he shared. “I guess you can say music runs in our family. Dance moves-wise, that’s the one thing genetically that did not pass down.”

He added, “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.”

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The singer-songwriter also recalled it was like to open for the Backstreet Boys on tour when he was younger.

“I remember being 8 or 9 years old and they sold out this huge arena and I got to open up for them,” Baylee explained. “I just had my two little songs, and I came off stage and when the guys went on the screams and the lights went down. I was just mesmerized. I thought, ‘Oh, my gosh. What is this.’”

Baylee Littrel, American IdolEric McCandless/Disney via Getty Images

After their duet, Brian watched as Carrie, Lionel and Luke gave Baylee an enthusiastic “yes” to continue in the competition, making the boy band alum tear up.

“I’m gonna cry,” he said. “I’m crying.”

Officially moving onto the next round, Baylee is not the only contestant on the long-running competition show with fame in their background. Keep reading to see more American Idol alum with celebrity parents…

Nikko Smith, American IdolRay Mickshaw/WireImage

Nikko Smith

Son of the Hall of Famer Major League Baseball player Ozzie Smith, Nikko competed on season 4 of American Idol, singing Stevie Wonder’s “All I Do.”

Nikko made it to the top nine before he was eliminated.

Jordin Sparks, American IdolFrank Micelotta/FOX

Jordin Sparks

Jordin, daughter of New York Giants alum Phillippi Sparks, competed on season 6 of American Idol. She auditioned in Seattle, Washington, performing Celine Dion’s “Because You Loved Me.”

She received a yes from judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, and she went on to win the season.

Since competing in 2007, the “Battlefield” singer has dropped several hit songs and received a Grammy nomination in 2009 for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals for “No Air,” her duet with Chris Brown and in 2024 for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for“Love Me Like I Am” With For King & Country.

Lara Johnston, American IdolJeffrey Mayer/WireImage

Lara Johnston

In season 10, the daughter of Doobie Brothers member Tom Johnston Lara sang Stevie Wonder’s “All I Do” in a San Francisco, California audition.

She made it to the Hollywood round and was eliminated.

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Jane Carrey, Jim Carrey, American IdolJohn Shearer/WireImage

Jane Carey

Comedian Jim Carrey’s daughter Jane was a season 11 contestant, singing Bonnie Raitt’s “Something to Talk About” in San Diego, California.

Jane made it to the first round of Hollywood week before being eliminated.

Shannon Magrane, American IdolJeffrey Mayer/WireImage

Shannon Magrane

Former St. Louis Cardinals player Joe Magrane’s daughter Shannon also competed on season 11 of the competition series. She performed a rendition of Etta James’ “Something’s Got a Hold on Me,” and received a yes from all three judges.

Shannon secured a spot in the top 11 before she was sent home.

Gianna Isabella, American IdolRay Mickshaw/FOX Image Collection via Getty Images

Gianna Isabella

Gianna, daughter of ‘80s pop star Brenda K. Starr, auditioned forseason 15 of the series. She performed her mother’s hit song “I Still Believe,” and she wowed the judges.

The New Jersey contestant finished with a place in the top ten.

Amelia Hammer HarrisEddy Chen/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

Amelia Hammer Harris

Amelia, daughter of pianist and “Great Balls of Fire” songwriter Jack Hammer, was a season 16 contestant on American Idol. She performed “Gimme Shelter” by The Rolling Stones in Savannah, Georgia, where judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan all gave her a yes.

She secured a spot in the top 24 before being eliminated.

Claudia Conway, American IdolEric McCandless via Getty Images

Claudia Conway

Claudia, daughter of Kellyanne Conway (former Senior Counselor for President Donald Trump) and George Conway (who served as an advisor to Trump) auditioned for season 19.

Katy announced the audition on a Nov. 16 Instagram story, saying, “Well, well, well, let the games begin because Claudia just tried out for American Idol.”

The influencer sang Adele’s “When We Were Young” and Rihanna’s “Love on the Brain,” receiving a no from Luke, but a yes from both Katy and Lionel. Claudia made it to the Hollywood round before being eliminated.

Ava Maybee, American IdolTommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Project Angel Food

Ava Maybee

Ava, daughter of Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, auditioned for season 20 with Stevie Wonder’s “Lately.” She wowed all three judges, who sent her to the Hollywood round.

She made it to the top 14, singing “Sign of the Times” by Harry Styles, but, alas, it was not enough to keep her in the competition.

Leah Marlene, American IdolEric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images

Leah Marlene

Also competing in season 20, would be Leah—daughter of Honeymoon Suite guitarist Derry Grehan—who performed “Steal My Girl” by One Direction in her Nashville audition, securing her a spot in the next round.

She became a finalist for the season, singing “Cover Me” by Bruce Springsteen and her original song “Flowers,” but was eliminated.

Lyric Mederios, American IdolEric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images

Lyric Mederios

Lyric, daughter of singer Glenn Mederios, auditioned for season 21 in Nashville with the song “Love Me Like You Mean It” by Kelsea Ballerini. However, Katy wanted to see her perform another song more challenging, performing Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats.”

Luke voted no, but Katy and Lionel moved her into the next round. Lyric was eliminated shortly after in the Hollywood round.

Camila Galavis, American IdolDisney/Eric McCandless

Camila Galavis

Bachelor alum Juan Pablo’s daughter Camila auditioned for season 22 of American Idol with a performance of Joaquina’s “Rabia.” But before she sang, Juan admitted he was nervous for his daughter to enter the public eye.

“The opportunity came, she wanted to do it,” he explained. “And I say, ‘I don’t know if you’re old enough.’ That was last year. I’d say, ‘Well maybe next year.’ And then, here she is. So, we’ll see how it goes.”

Lionel voted no when it came to her, but Katy and Luke decided to move her to the next round. However, she was ultimately cut during Hollywood week.

Emmy Russell, American IdolDisney/Eric McCandless

Emmy Russell 

Following in the footsteps of her music legend grandmother Loretta Lynn, Emmy auditioned for season 22 with her own original song “Skinny” about her experience with eating disorders. The performance secured her a golden ticket from Lionel, Katy and Luke, who were all shocked to learn her grandmother’s true identity.

And her mother Patsy Lynn Russell–a member of the country duo The Lynns with twin sister Peggy Lynn–joined her backstage.

“She just wanted to do this honestly,” Patsy said of her daughter’s decision to audition for American Idol. “I think that when you come from a musical family, the shadow is so big. ‘How do I fill those shoes?’ Well the deal is, you don’t. You make your own shadow.”

Katy loved the performance, praising her: “You’re an A+ songwriter. So was your grandma. You got the gift.” Emmy secured a spot in the Top 5 as a season 22 finalist, but ultimately did not win the season.

Baylee Littrel, American IdolEric McCandless/Disney via Getty Images

Baylee Littrell

Baylee auditioned for the competition series March 9, performing for new judge Carrie Underwood, and returning judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. He performed his original song, and his father, Backstreet Boys alum Brian Littrell, joined him on stage to sing the chorus.

All three judges voted yes for Baylee, advancing him into the next round of season 23.