American Idol Season 23’s auditions were full of surprises that included a nepo baby vying for a coveted golden ticket to Hollywood. Baylee Littrell, 22, performed an original song for judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood. But before he even sang a note, it was revealed that he’s the son of Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell, adding an extra layer of intrigue to his audition.

While some viewers felt Baylee didn’t need the reality TV show to launch his career, his father wanted to show him that breaking into the entertainment industry takes hard work, even if you come from a well-known family.

Baylee’s Idol journey has been a fun one to watch as both his father and mother have been in the audience rooting him on. Having made it to the Top 20 during the show’s three-hour Easter episode, Baylee chose to sing an original song by his famous dad.

American Idol Contestant Baylee Littrell Sang A Heartfelt Song Written By His Famous Father For His Top 20 Performance

Baylee Littrell Sang “Gone Without Goodbye” From Brian Littrell’s 2006 Solo Album

On Sunday, April 20th, American Idol dedicated its episode to the Easter holiday and had the Top 20 contestants sing faith-inspired songs. The “Songs of Faith” episode was filled with inspirational and uplifting music as the Idol hopefuls sang their hearts out to get enough votes to make it into the Top 14.

22-year-old Baylee Littrell chose to sing an original song that night. Viewers have watched as several contestants have bravely sung their own music, whether it was during the audition process or in front of a live audience. Although Baylee has sung original songs for the judges, this one was extra special: it was an original song written by his famous father, Brian Littrell.

Baylee chose to sing “Gone Without Goodbye,” from Brian’s 2006 solo album, Welcome Home. Brian and his wife, Leighanne Wallace, were in the audience to watch their son perform.

“Gone Without Goodbye” lyrics (shortened for Idol):

“Have you seen my son?/Not too tall, 5’8″/She held up a colored copy photograph/From his wedding day/

And this is his pregnant wife/Carrying his last dream/He walked down 46 floors before he felt the rush/The rush of gasoline/

I can feel the pain/Looking in their eyes/But I don’t know gone without goodbye/

If I could reach the sky/I’d bring him right back to your arms/Though I haven’t seen your son/He’s forever in my life/

And have you seen my faith?/It can run and it can hide/Jesus, mend this breaking heart of mine/That keeps our love alive.”

Baylee delivered one of his most powerful performances during his Idol journey. Carrie called the 22-year-old’s performance, “one of your best performances so far.” She added, “I feel you growing and getting more confidence on stage in front of all these people the more we see you, which is really great.”

This wasn’t the first time that Baylee has sung an original song about his family. During “Hollywood Week” he sang an original song titled, “Hey, Jesus.” The Atlanta, Georgia native shared that the song was written after the passing of his grandmother and finding his faith again.

“I wrote this song when I was going through a pretty tough time in my life. Lost somebody I loved. My grandma was my best friend. With my dad being away on tour, she would always step in,” he shared.

The Meaning Behind “Gone Without Goodbye”

The Song Is Dedicated To Those Who Lost Their Lives On 9/11

After Baylee showcased one of his most powerful performances to date on Season 23 of Idol, he shared with host Ryan Seacrest the meaning behind his father’s very emotional ballad.

“It means a great deal to us,” he shared about the song. “That song is really dedicated to [the] tragedy [of] 9/11, you know, all the victims that it affected.”

Baylee also noted that his mother “was supposed to be on the second flight” that struck the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. “I feel incredibly lucky. It’s an emotional song. I’m just glad I got through it,” he added, to which Lionel was heard stating, “Wow,” in the background.

A 1998 clip on YouTube sees Baylee’s dad, Brian, performing the song accompanied by someone playing guitar. Before he began to sing the tune, Brian shared the meaning behind it.

“This next song I’m gonna go for you is pretty tough to do,” he said. “This song is “Gone Without Goodbye” and it talks about how loved ones can’t really be gone until you hear those closing words of goodbye.” He continued:

“I remember it was September 10, 2001. The Backstreet Boys were on tour in Boston. We had just finished five nights sold out at the Fleet Center and my wife was scheduled to fly back to California the morning of September 11th. This song paints a very vivid picture of how our world continues to change and the things that we see on the news. Hopefully it inspires you in some way,” Brian shared.

It’s remarkable how much Baylee’s voice echoes his father’s when he sings. The resemblance made for a truly touching and emotional moment for the Littrell family.

Did Baylee Littrell Make It To The Top 14?

Baylee Found Himself In The “Danger Zone” On Idol

On Monday, April 21st, the Top 20 contestants learned their fate and whether they would be making it to the Top 14. Ryan shared that there would be 10 contestants that would automatically make it to the “Victory Zone” after they earned enough votes from America. However, the remaining 10 contestants found themselves in the “Danger Zone” where they had to give it their all and prove to the three judges that they should advance to the next round.

The judges were only able to select four out of the 10 contestants in the “Danger Zone.” Unfortunately, Baylee was not one of the contestants chosen to make it to the Top 14.

That night, Baylee had to sing his heart out for a second chance. He chose to sing “All of Me” by John Legend and impressed Carrie, who seemed to be rooting for him this season. “I feel like every time you get on stage you give us more. I feel like this is your best performance. I don’t know if it is confidence or song choice. It’s the first time I felt you were a front man,” she told him.

Despite getting such a terrific critique from Carrie, it wasn’t enough to secure a spot in the Top 14. Including Baylee, five other contestants were sent home: Drew Ryn, Isaiah Misailegalu, Olivier Bergeron, Victor Solomon, and Zaylie Windsor.

Although Baylee’s journey on Idol has come to an end, there’s little doubt he’s headed for big things. It’s only a matter of time before a record deal comes his way.