There have been countlessAmerican Idolhopefuls that have fit the bill of “nepo baby.” Sometimes, it’s a passing comment that’s brought into the conversation and never addressed again. Other times,it’s almost as if these hopefuls pretend their famous relatives don’t exist.In the premiere ofAmerican IdolSeason 23,Baylee Littrellentered the room and immediately, everyone acknowledged his connection to his famous dad,Brian Littrellof theBackstreet Boys.
Instead of trying to hide the family resemblance,American Idolallowed Baylee to share the connection in a manner that worked for him and his journey.Baylee, unlike his dad, can’t dance. He is exploring a more folk-country sound as opposed to trying to become the next biggest boy band member. Even when his dad was invited into the room, the judges already decided Baylee was through. Inviting the boy band legend to sing with his son was essentially just an opportunity for the proud dad to share his joy. The Littrell moment was handled in a brilliant manner, unlike other contestants of the past. There was no getting past the obvious.
Baylee Littrell Wanted It That Way on ‘American Idol’
Prior to the season, Brian Littrell had celebrated the fact that his son was about to be a potential music superstar via reality television. On paper, the steps Baylee had taken to find his footing in the music industry were already filled with obstacles. First, having a famous father? Mark against. Second, having his first big break being his dad’s group’s opening act? Mark against. Third, trying to build a profile on a talent competition show that already has a stigma? Mark against. So why would Baylee want to put himself through it? To not give naysayers the opportunity to bash him.Baylee has the power to control the narrative, and thus, his destiny.
“I Felt My Heart Aflutter”: ‘American Idol’ Performance Leaves Judges Speechless
Carrie Underwood’s first audition as a judge had her in awe.
If Baylee makes it to the live rounds, Backstreet Boys fans may give the 22-year-old an extra boost when voting. His profile has a built-in advantage. Yet, jumping in immediately with the first passing dialogue acknowledging his physical likeness to his dad cut out criticism.He owns his identity, he’s proud of it, but he’s doing his own thing.Even when Brian was interviewed during the segment, he acknowledged the diverging path his son was taking. Baylee certainly has the boyish good looks to join a boy band, but his passion is being a singer-songwriter. WithAmerican Idol’s assist, the Brian Littrell of it all is officially out of the way. He’s no longer Brian Littrell’s kid. He’s now Baylee Littrell,American Idolcontestant.
‘American Idol’ Hurt Loretta Lynn’s Granddaughter Last Season
American Idol’s ability to put the obvious out in the open and allow it to exist is a far cry from how they handledEmmy Russelllast season. Baylee Littrell is going down his own path, understanding how he got where he is, and hoping his talent will take him further. Emmy Russell tried everything in her power to pretend her grandmother wasn’tLoretta Lynn, only for it to turn against her.American Idoldid everything in their power not to hide Loretta Lynn’s namewhenever Emmy appeared on screen. Why wouldn’t they want to exploit one of the most influential voices in country music history?
While Emmy was in a more difficult position being a country artist doing the same thing as her famous grandma,Baylee is not trying to replicate his dad’s work.Should he ever sing a Backstreet Boys song on the show, it will absolutely not be likeEmmy Russell when she “reluctantly” performed “Coal Miner’s Daughter”in hopes of securing country votes. Months removed from her time on the show,Emmy has come out hard against the decision, putting the blame in the hands of the judges. At the end of the day, every moment before her decision to sing her grandmother’s song had built around her relationship with the famous family tree.
There is still a chance for Baylee’s journey to lean too heavily into his dad’s legacy. He has to make it through Hollywood Week. But for now, it’s out in the open. Himself, his dad, and the judges have acknowledged he’s doing his own thing. The fans now have the power to determine who Baylee will be.You’re not going to hear Brian Littrell in Baylee the way you heard Lorette Lynn in Emmy Russell.Should more famous offspring pop in to face the judges, here’s hopingAmerican Idoltakes the same road they did with Baylee. We’re rooting for him!
American Idol
