American Idol Season 23 officially premiered on ABC Sunday night, as former winner Carrie Underwood joined the panel. The episode also featured an audition from Backstreet Boys star Brian Littrell’s son, as well as a Platinum Ticket.
Brian Littrell’s Son Auditions in American Idol Premiere
During Sunday’s episode, 21-year-old Baylee Littrell auditioned for the judges. Carrie Underwood, who won Season 4 of the show and is new to the panel this season, thought there was something familiar about him. Baylee acknowledged that his dad is Brian Littrell of Backstreet Boys fame.
In an interview, Littrell said that his son is “10 times more talented than I ever was.” For his audition, Baylee performed an original song called “Waiting on Myself to Die” while playing guitar. The judges were obviously impressed by his voice.
Underwood praised Baylee’s song, predicting that he can go far in the competition. Fellow judge Luke Bryan suggested that Littrell should come in and duet with Baylee. The father and son went on to perform the chorus of his audition song together.
Lionel Richie told Baylee that he “can go a long way.” All four judges voted “yes” to giving the young singer a Golden Ticket to Hollywood Week. Littrell got emotional as he watched his son succeed.
Sunday’s premiere also featured an audition from 26-year-old Kolbi Jordan, who earned one of this season’s coveted Platinum Tickets. The upgraded version of the Golden Ticket was introduced a few years ago to allow a select few singers to skip the first round of Hollywood Week.
Kolbi auditioned with a powerhouse rendition of Chrisette Michele’s “Epiphany (I’m Leaving).” Lionel Richie was so impressed, he got Kolbi’s idol Patti LaBelle on the phone. LaBelle promised to send her a pie if she wins the show. The judges gave Kolbi a Golden Ticket to Hollywood.
However, that ticket later got upgraded when Kolbi had the opportunity to perform at a Tennessee Titans game. After Kolbi sang “Lady Marmalade” on the field, the judges showed up to present her with a Platinum Ticket. Kolbi got emotional as she accepted it.
What did you think of the American Idol Season 23 premiere? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to tune in to next week’s new episode for even more amazing auditions.
Words by:
Jill O'Rourke Jill O’Rourke is a contributor at Talent Recap, writing news stories and recaps for shows like ‘AGT,’ ‘The Voice,’ and ‘American Idol.’ She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and Film Studies, and has been writing about pop culture since 2012, with previous bylines at Crushable and A Plus. Jill spends her free time binge-watching sitcoms and daydreaming about life as a hobbit
