As the latest season of ABC’s “American Idol” unfolds, it has swiftly drawn ire from fans who are disgruntled over a notable presence of ‘nepo babies’—offspring of well-known figures—in its lineup.
The second episode of the current season, which marks the 23rd overall and the 8th since its transition from Fox to ABC, spotlighted Baylee Littrell. Baylee, the son of Backstreet Boys’ member Brian Littrell, successfully secured a spot in Hollywood Week, sparking conversations about the show’s direction.
This week’s episode further fueled these discussions when Carnie Wilson of Wilson Phillips fame joined her 19-year-old daughter Lola on stage. Together, they performed the iconic hit “Hold On,” originally sung by her mother, adding another layer to the ongoing debate.
Fans have been vocal about their concerns, questioning the fairness of allowing these celebrity descendants to audition. Their discontent has been echoed across social media, with many expressing their dissatisfaction on platforms like X.
The phenomenon of celebrity offspring gracing the “American Idol” stage is not new. Last season, Emmy Russell, the granddaughter of country music legend Loretta Lynn, made it to the Top 5, illustrating the show’s ongoing trend of featuring such contestants.
Nonetheless, with two well-known singers’ children advancing within the first four episodes, the show’s audience is left wondering just how many more famous family ties will emerge as the season progresses. The debate about merit versus privilege remains a hot topic among the show’s dedicated followers.
The show’s second episode of the season (23rd in total, 8th since switching to ABC from Fox) revealed the Baylee Littrell, son of Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell , made it through to Hollywood.
Then during this week’s episode, Wilson Phillips singer Carnie Wilson, 56 (middle right), appeared alongside her 19-year-old daughter Lola (middle left holding Golden Ticket), singing her mother’s classic song Hold On
Many like Becky (@bkstgurl) said, ‘I’m sorry I don’t care WHO your daddy is … if you’ve already had a record deal, you should NOT be allowed to audition for American Idol.’
She was referring to Baylee’s 2019 debut album 770-Country, which was released on his parents’ label, BriLeigh Records.
Baylee was just 14 when he made his Broadway debut in Disaster! in 2016, earning a Drama Desk Award for his performance.
He also served as the Backstreet Boys’ opening act on their 2019 tour and released EP Vol One in 2022
Becky added in her tweet, ‘… that’s so not fair to these kids that have no other opportunity other then this show.’
Another X user dubbed @bigsnugga said, ‘nepo babies doing american idol kinda ruins the point of the show.’
Kurk (@jacknifejeds) said, ‘lmao like 30 people have sent me that clip of baylee littrell on american idol and it’s sending me how 3 people in the music industry are pretending not to know who he is. also why are nepo babies on a show that was about giving nobodies a chance to become famous.’
Sarah (@theresnoyou) added, ‘ah hell nah there’s a nepo baby on american idol this season. poor people can’t have S**T.’
Many like Becky (@bkstgurl) said, ‘I’m sorry I don’t care WHO your daddy is … if you’ve already had a record deal, you should NOT be allowed to audition for American Idol’
She was referring to Baylee’s 2019 debut album 770-Country, which was released on his parents’ label, BriLeigh Records
Baylee was just 14 when he made his Broadway debut in Disaster! in 2016, earning a Drama Desk Award for his performance
He also served as the Backstreet Boys’ opening act on their 2019 tour and released EP Vol One in 2022
Another X user dubbed @bigsnugga said, ‘nepo babies doing american idol kinda ruins the point of the show’
Sarah (@theresnoyou) added, ‘ah hell nah there’s a nepo baby on american idol this season. poor people can’t have S**T.’
Matt (@MattWhitekiller) tweeted, ‘remember when American Idol was about Talent and not Nepo babies!’
Noa (@thenoasletter) said, ‘there’s no one on this earth i feel worse for than the nepo babies who have to use american idol to jumpstart your career like why didn’t your mommy get you a record deal for your sixteenth birthday.’
Bri (@bribrisimps) put it simply, ‘Why are you, a nepo baby, auditioning for American Idol?’
Gabby Baxter (@ms_gabbybaxter) said, ‘I’m watching American Idol and why are nepo babies auditioning for this show?!?!?! Use your resources as a nepo baby!!!!’
Alexendra DeWitt (@eastvillagea) said Wilson’s daughter is, ‘needing more time to cook before she’s at the level for American Idol. Nepo baby with no breath support and she was flat frequently. Seems unfair to take a spot from someone better who doesn’t have famous parents.’
Robbyn (@tweetingrobbyn) admitted, ‘I am super salty about the celebrity kids showing up with their parents to audition for American Idol this season… These are the definition of nepo baby because it is expected they will go through & they are using their parents influence #IDOL.’
Shayna (@greycoupon) asked, ‘Why exactly does a music nepo baby need American Idol? I don’t doubt she can sing but I’m sure getting a record contract wouldn’t be hard with her connections anyway.’
Nepo babies have been arriving even early on in American Idol, though the first few didn’t have music or showbiz connections.
Matt (@MattWhitekiller) tweeted, ‘remember when American Idol was about Talent and not Nepo babies’
Gabby Baxter (@ms_gabbybaxter) said, ‘I’m watching American Idol and why are nepo babies auditioning for this show?!?!?! Use your resources as a nepo baby!!!!’
Robbyn (@tweetingrobbyn) admitted, ‘I am super salty about the celebrity kids showing up with their parents to audition for American Idol this season… These are the definition of nepo baby because it is expected they will go through & they are using their parents influence #IDOL.’
Nikko Smith – the son of baseball legend Ozzie Smith – competed in Season 4, and Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks is the daughter of NFL player Phillippi Sparks.
Others like Ayla Brown – daughter of Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown finished in the Top 16 in Season 5, while Shannon Magrane – daughter of MLB pitcher Joe Magrane, finished 11th in Season 11.
Lara Johnston, daughter of The Doobie Brothers’ Tom Johnston, reached Hollywood Week in Season 10, while Jim Carrey’s daughter Jane earned a Golden Ticket in Season 11, and Jo Dee Messina’s cousin Alex Preston competed in Season 13′
Idol’s most recent nepo babies are Gianna Isabella (daughter of Brenda K. Starr) in Season 15, Grace Franklin (granddaughter of Aretha Franklin), Leah Marlene (daughter of Honeymoon Suite guitarist Derry Grehan) and Ava Maybee (daughter of Red Hot Chilli Peppers drummer Chad Smith) all in Season 20 and Kaya Stewart (daughter of Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart) in Season 21.
