American Idol Season 23: The Rise of the “Nepo Babies”
This year’s American Idol kicked off with its signature promise: a platform for emerging musical talent. However, some contestants already arrive with a significant advantage, thanks to their lineage. The term “nepo baby,”referring to those who benefit from their famous family connections, is once again in the spotlight.
Introducing Baylee Littrell: A Familiar Face
The first contestant showcased in Season 23 is Baylee Littrell, the son of renowned Backstreet Boys member Brian Littrell. He had the opportunity to perform for judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan.
“There’s something about you that looks familiar,” commented Underwood, recognizing the 22-year-old from Georgia.
Rather than shying away from Baylee’s famous background, the show embraced it, featuring clips of Brian introducing his son on stage, alongside a nostalgic photo of Underwood with Backstreet Boys posters adorning her wall.
Talent Meets Legacy
Brian Littrell defended his son’s pathway, acknowledging that being the offspring of a celebrity isn’t always advantageous, yet it certainly does provide opportunities. Baylee showcased his skills with an original song titled “Waiting on Myself to Die,” earning him a coveted Golden Ticket.
Impressed by his performance, Underwood and Bryan invited Brian into the audition room, where the duo performed a duet that received accolades from all three judges. Bryan praised Baylee for fostering his own unique musical journey.
A Trend of Nepotism in Music
The phenomenon of “nepo babies” isn’t new to American Idol. Throughout its history, many contestants with familial ties to the entertainment industry have graced the stage. For instance, last season remembered Emmy Russell, the granddaughter of iconic country star Loretta Lynn, who captured the judges’ hearts with her rendition of “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” Interestingly, it was the judges who suggested she perform her grandmother’s classic hit, ultimately leading her to a top-five finish before her elimination.
Family Ties in Talent
Season 20 showcased the idea that talent often runs in families. Two contestants, Ava Maybee, daughter of Chad Smith from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Leah Marlene, daughter of Derry Grehan from Honeymoon Suite, both reached the top 10.
Other notable “nepo babies” include Kaya Stewart, daughter of Dave Stewart from the Eurythmics, who competed in Season 21, and Jane Carrey, daughter of actor Jim Carrey, who earned a golden ticket in Season 11. There’s also Grace Franklin, the granddaughter of Aretha Franklin, who auditioned in Season 20, along with Lara Johnston, daughter of Tom Johnston from the Doobie Brothers, who made it to Hollywood in Season 10.
A Diverse Cast of Contestants
From the realm of politics, Claudia Conway, daughter of former Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway, auditioned in 2021, while Ayla Brown, daughter of Senator Scott Brown (R-Mass.), made it to the top 16 in Season 5.
Moreover, the impact of parental fame isn’t limited to the music and political scenes. In sports, the legacy persists as well; for example, Nikko Smith, son of MLB Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith, gained notoriety in Season 4 alongside Underwood. Similarly, Shannon Magrane, daughter of pitcher Joe Magrane, placed 11th in Season 11, while Jordin Sparks, daughter of NFL player Philipp Sparks, emerged victorious in Season 6.
Additionally, former contestants such as children of Phil Stacey (Season 6), Nadia Turner (Season 4), and the late Nikki McKibbin (Season 1) have also stepped into the spotlight.
Final Thoughts
American Idol continues to draw attention every Sunday night at 8 p.m. on ABC. As the competition progresses, it’s intriguing to see the balance between legacy and raw talent that defines this season.