Baylee Littrell’s Vulnerable Cry Out to Jesus Captures American Idol

Baylee Littrell, son of Backstreet Boys member and CCM solo artist Brian Littrell, is making a name for himself in his own right — not just as a singer-songwriter, but a bold unfiltered voice for faith in the next generation.

The 22-year-old Atlanta native took to the American Idol stage this week and stunned the judges and audience alike with an emotional original song titled “Hey Jesus.” With his parents cheering him on from the crowd, Baylee delivered a powerful performance while playing acoustic guitar.

WATCH THE PERFORMANCE HERE: 

“I wrote this song when I was going through a pretty tough time in my life,” Baylee shared before his performance. “I lost somebody I’d loved. My grandma was my best friend.”

Baylee opened up about the pain of losing his grandmother three years ago — a loss that deeply shook his world and faith.

“With my dad being away on tour, she would always step in. She understood me like not many people do… 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.”

In a moment of raw vulnerability, Baylee admitted that the grief led him to distance himself from his faith — a feeling many can relate to. But in his struggle, he found healing through songwriting.

“I had pushed away faith, thought I would not find it again. This song kind of helped me find it.”

“Hey Jesus” is a heartfelt prayer in musical form — a call for help, a surrender, and a recognition of God’s presence in the darkest moments. With lines like:

“Hey Jesus, I broke my wings again / Could you help me up one last time, old friend?”

and

“In the dark depths of the night / It’s where I’d be without Your beautiful light,”

The performance visibly moved the judges and his parents, Brian and Leighanne Littrell, who watched with misty eyes from the audience.

“When your family’s in the music business, it opens a lot of doors. But it also creates a lot of animosity,” Baylee acknowledged. “So my big thing here is I’m here to make this on my own.”

With authenticity and vulnerability, Baylee Littrell has set himself apart. He’s not chasing fame — he’s chasing purpose. And in a culture that often shies away from public displays of faith, Baylee’s fearless proclamation is refreshing and needed.

Carrie Underwood summed it up best after the performance:

“Baylee, you’re so good. Your heart and your genuineness is just coming through.”

We couldn’t agree more. He has our vote.