American Idol kicked off Sunday night with its annual promise: to serve as a launching pad for aspiring young musical talent. But some contestants already have a head start with a familiar advantage: the lineage of a famous family.
Season 23 rolled out its first “nepo baby” with Baylee Littrell, son of Backstreet Boys member Brian Littrell, who auditioned in front of judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.
“There’s something about you that looks familiar,” Underwood said to the 22-year-old Georgia hopeful.
Idol didn’t hide Baylee’s background, it leaned into it: showing footage of dad Brian introducing him onstage and performing, and a photo of Underwood with Backstreet Boys posters on her wall.
Brian Littrell made the case for his son, saying that being the progeny of a famous singer isn’t exactly a perk. Still, it didn’t hurt his chances either, as he earned a Golden Ticket after a performance of an original song, “Waiting on Myself to Die.”
Underwood was impressed, and Bryan doubled down, inviting the elder Littrell into the audition room to duet with his son, earning praise from all three judges. Bryan commended Baylee Littrell for blazing his “own trail.”
Idol “nepo babies” is nothing new. Over the seasons, kids coming from an entertainment family or background — be it music, acting, sports or politics — and even former American Idol contestants, have found their way to the judges’ table.
Just last season, Emmy Russell, granddaughter of legendary country singer Loretta Lynn, impressed the panel with her performances, including a rendition of “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” She later revealed on an episode of The Thrivalist Podcast that it wasn’t her idea to sing her grandmother’s country classic, but the judges’. She eventually made it to the top five before being eliminated.
Season 20 proved that talent does run in the family, as two “nepo” contestants — Ava Maybee, daughter of Chad Smith, drummer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Leah Marlene, the daughter of Derry Grehan, the guitarist for Honeymoon Suite — sang their way into the top 10.
Kaya Stewart, daughter of Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics, competed during season 21. Actor Jim Carrey’s daughter, Jane, earned a golden ticket in season 11; Aretha Franklin’s granddaughter, Grace, auditioned during season 20; and Lara Johnston, daughter of Doobie Brothers lead singer Tom Johnston, also made it to Hollywood on season 10. Gianna Isabella, daughter of Brenda K. Starr, was a top contender on season 15 of
Idol, as was Alex Preston, a cousin of Jo Dee Messina, who carved his own path with independent artistry on season 13.
Lyric Mederios, the daughter of ’80s pop star Glenn Mederios, who had hits with the songs “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love for You” and “‘Lonely Won’t Leave Me Alone,” auditioned for the show twice before finally making it through on season 21.
From the political arena, former Donald Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway’s daughter, Claudia, auditioned in 2021, and Ayla Brown, daughter of Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.), finished in the top 16 of the show’s fifth season.
Sports families — primarily baseball and football players’ children — also gained extra yardage on Idol. Nikko Smith, son of St. Louis Cardinals player and Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith, had a successful run on season four competing against Underwood. While Shannon Magrane, daughter of Joe Magrane, a Cardinals pitcher, finished 11th on season 11. Meanwhile, NFL player Phillipp Sparks’ daughter, Jordin Sparks, won season 6.
As for former Idol contestants, children of Phil Stacey (season six), Nadia Turner (season four) and the late Nikki McKibbin (season one) also auditioned for the judges.
American Idol airs Sunday nights at 8 p.m. on ABC.