Baylee Littrell, son of Backstreet Boys member Brian Littrell, has secured his spot among the Top 24 contestants on this season of “American Idol.” But before he advanced to the next round of the singing competition, judge Carrie Underwood shared some strong feedback.
“It was not a unanimous decision, so moving forward, I need you to step it up!” the judge and former “Idol” winner told Littrell.
As Hollywood week continues to unfold on Season 23 of “American Idol,” contestants on Monday’s episode performed duets in front of judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Underwood, who determined which singers would advance after each number.
Four contestants from Sunday night’s “showstoppers” episode advanced directly to the Top 24: Gabby Samone, Zaylie Windsor, Mattie Pruitt, and platinum ticket winner Canaan James Hill. The other 42 hopefuls entered a sudden “head to head” challenge to determine who would complete the final 24 contenders.
Littrell partnered with fellow contestant Keilene to belt a rendition of “Shallow,” the duet between Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper in the 2018 remake of “A Star Is Born.”
“When you guys were coming out here I said, ‘this is interesting, she could bury him,’ and that did not happen,” Underwood said directly after the performance. “Baylee, you were more comfortable singing with somebody else. It’s kind of like we got to see a different side of you.”
Bryan, on the other hand, noted that Keilene had some “moments that were a little misguided,” saying there was too much intensity in the song’s final notes.
“I think she scared him to death into going to someplace he didn’t know he was going to be able to go to,” Richie said as the judges deliberated.
Ultimately, the panel decided to only send Littrell to the Top 24.
“I feel like coming this far is such a big accomplishment in my life, and this is just the start of a bright chapter,” said Keilene.
Littrell’s father appeared in the episode briefly, hugging his son after receiving the good news.
“This is huge,” said Brian Littrell. “He’s done things that I’ve never dreamed of.”
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