American Idol 2025 began Hollywood Week with a return to Idol Arena. Each of the singing hopefuls was randomly called to the stage, so they didn’t know when their turn would come and they didn’t receive the results until the very last artist performed. Ultimately, half of the 144 who auditioned were sent home.
The theme for the night, according to host Ryan Seacrest was “go big or go home,” advice that Baylee Littrell, son of Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell, took to heart. He chose to perform an original song, “Hey Jesus,” that he wrote following a dark time he experienced following the death of his late grandmother Shirley.
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“I wrote this song when I was going through a pretty tough time in my life,” Baylee explained in his video package. “I lost somebody that I loved. My grandma was my best friend. With my dad being away on tour, she would always step in. She understood me like not many people do. My grandma passed away two years ago almost. I thought she was going to be around for moments like this. I never expected to lose her, so when I did, I questioned everything. I pushed away faith. I thought I would not find it again. This song helped me find it.”
For Hollywood Week, judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan didn’t give the contestants the same amount of feedback that they gave during the auditions. Rather, with 144 artists to get through, they kept it short and sweet.
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So, at the end of his heartfelt performance, Carrie told him, “Baylee, you’re so good, your heart and your genuineness is coming through so good.”
Then, after Baylee exited, Lionel could be heard commenting, “That boy has great lyrics.”
To which Carrie replied, “A conversation with God.”
Baylee, Leighanne and Brian LittrellDisney/Eric McCandless
Backstage, Baylee, who auditioned for American Idol to make it on his own in the music business and carve his own path, said, “If my grandma saw me, she would probably be so proud. I hope it’s enough to get to the next round.”
Which it was! Baylee was in the final group going through to “Hollywood Week: Showstopper,” airing Sunday, April 6 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Streams next day on Hulu.
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