On Monday, March 31, something touching happened on American Idol. Baylee Littrell, a 22-year-old singer, stepped onto the stage to sing a song he wrote called “Hey Jesus.” His dad, Brian Littrell, who is famous from the Backstreet Boys, was in the audience watching with a big smile and a proud heart.
Baylee’s song was extra special because it was about his grandma, who passed away three years ago. Before he started singing, Baylee shared why the song meant so much to him. “I wrote this song when I was really sad,” he said. “My grandma was my best friend. She was always there for me when my dad was away singing with his band. She understood me in a way not many people did.”
He got a little teary and added, “I thought she’d be here to see me sing on a big stage like this. When she passed away, I was so surprised and started to question everything, even my faith. This song helped me feel better and find my faith again.”
Then Baylee picked up his guitar and sang “Hey Jesus” with all his heart. While he sang, the camera showed Brian in the crowd, quietly singing along and looking so happy for his son.
When Baylee finished, judge Carrie Underwood had nice things to say. “Baylee, you’re really good,” she told him. “I could feel your heart and how real you are. You did great!”
This wasn’t the first time Brian got emotional watching Baylee on American Idol. Last month, during Baylee’s audition, he sang another original song called “Waiting on Myself to Die.” Brian was teary then too and later said he was “super proud” of his son. He even said Baylee was born for this because he grew up around music.
The judges asked if Brian and Baylee ever sang together, and the two shared a sweet moment harmonizing. After that, Baylee got a golden ticket to Hollywood, which made Brian cry happy tears again. It was a big night full of love, music, and family!
