This nepo baby’s American Idol audition left Lionel Richie speechless

Lionel Richie was left completely speechless when a familiar face walked into the American Idol audition room, and fans are reliving the unforgettable moment all over again.

A year after Baylee Littrell auditioned for the hit singing competition, clips from his appearance have resurfaced across social media, with viewers stunned by his striking resemblance to his famous father, Backstreet Boys star Brian Littrell.

The 23-year-old aspiring musician inherited more than just his dad’s signature blond curls and chiselled features. He also shares Brian’s passion for performing.

“You look so familiar”

As Baylee entered the audition room, judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan immediately sensed there was something familiar about him.

Before long, Baylee revealed he was the son of Backstreet Boys member Brian Littrell, prompting an astonished reaction from Lionel.

The legendary singer was visibly taken aback by the revelation as the judges realised they were meeting the son of one of the biggest boyband stars of all time.

Following in his father’s footsteps

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Music has always been part of Baylee’s life. Long before auditioning for American Idol, he was already performing in front of huge crowds after opening for the Backstreet Boys during their DNA World Tour in 2019.

Reflecting on the experience, Baylee previously told People: “Since I was 6 years old, my dream has always been to go on tour.”

His ambition to follow in his father’s footsteps began even earlier.

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“I put on one of my dad’s jackets from one of his outfits in his dressing room and I stood in front of the mirror,” Baylee recalled.

“He comes in and is like, ‘Hey Bubs, what are you doing?’ And I’m like, ‘Well I want to be like you.’

“I asked, ‘Can I get up there instead one day?’ He was like, ‘Well, you never know.'”

Choosing his own path

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While many expected Baylee to pursue pop music like his famous father, he has instead carved out a career in country music.

The singer has previously revealed that he originally imagined himself becoming a pop artist before discovering a love of country through his grandparents.

Encouraged by both Brian and his mother, actress Leighanne Wallace, Baylee embraced the genre and began writing songs that reflected his own musical identity.

A Backstreet Boys legacy

Brian, 51, has been a member of the Backstreet Boys since the group was formed in 1993 by the late music manager Lou Pearlman.

Alongside AJ McLean, Howie Dorough, Kevin Richardson and Nick Carter, the band went on to become one of the biggest-selling groups in music history thanks to global hits including “I Want It That Way,” “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” and “As Long As You Love Me.”

Brian married actress Leighanne Wallace in 2000, and the couple welcomed Baylee in 2002.