American Idol Season 23 is turning out to be one of the best seasons yet as the Top 24 have been chosen. However, it wasn't without the three judges this season, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and newcomer and Season 4 Idol winner, Carrie Underwood, making some very tough decisions.
Before the Top 24 were chosen, contestants had to face another round of auditions during "Hollywood Week." Contestants Mattie Pruitt, Canaan James Hill, Zaylie Windsor, and Gabby Samone all advanced to the Top 24 after their second round of auditions. However, the rest of the contestants faced yet another round called "Head-to-Head," which saw 40 remaining contestants put into pairs to battle it out vocally. The judges had to cut these contestants in half to secure the Top 24.
Unfortunately, one of the Top 24 contestants is facing criticism from viewers. Baylee Littrell, son of Backstreet Boys' Brian Littrell, has come under fire after his duet performance of "Shallow" by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper with fellow contestant Keilene. Many fans believe Keilene outshined him during their performance.
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American Idol's Carrie Underwood Was Shocked At Duet Pairing Baylee Littrell And Keilene Bultron During The Head-To-Head Round
Keilene's Voice Overpowered Baylee's During Rehearsals
Things got intense during the final leg of American Idol Season 23's "Hollywood Week" as the remaining 40 contestants had to practically battle it out vocally to secure a spot in the Top 24. The three judges informed the 40 hopefuls that they needed to split into pairs where they were tasked with choosing a song, rehearsing it together, and performing together in front of the judges.
The point of the head-to-head round is for the three judges to see who stands out, has stage presence, and vocal strength.
But, it was clear that some duet contestants created perfect harmony with one another (like Thunderstorm Artis and Drew Ryn stunning rendition of "The Night We Met"), while others struggled to compliment each other's unique voice.
One of the pairs that had struggled to align with each other's vocals were contestants Baylee Littrell and Keilene Bultron, who chose to sing Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper's "Shallow." During rehearsals, it was clear that Keilene's voice was overpowering Baylee's soulful style.
Both Baylee and Keilene have incredible voices and during their performance they both shined as they found a way to work with one another. In fact, Keilene's powerful voice appeared to help Baylee showcase his wider range.
Interestingly, when they finished their performance, the judges were shocked that Baylee and Keilene were paired together. In fact, Carrie told Baylee, "When you guys were coming out here, I said, 'This is interesting. She could bury him.'" However, she then added, "that did not happen."
While the judges deliberated after their performance, Lionel shared, "I think she scared him to death into going to some place he didn't know he was going to be able to go to."
In the end, the judges chose to send Baylee to the Top 24 and not Keilene. Carrie shared that she was Baylee's "cheerleader" as the other judges did not exactly vote unanimously. "I believe in you and I had to be very vocal about that," the "Before He Cheats" singer said.
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Baylee Received Fan Backlash After Being Chosen Over Keilene For The Top 24
Fans Believed Keilene Had A More Powerful Voice During The Pair's Performance
Several viewers were not thrilled to see Baylee make it to the Top 24 and not Keilene. In fact, a few believed that Baylee found his way into the Top 24 because of his famous family. Baylee is the son of Backstreet Boys singer Brian Littrell.
"Watching this made me upset!! Keilene definitely had the better performance n should have made it through. They definitely coached her into dimming her light so he could shine… This just proved that it’s not about talent but who you’re attached too," a viewer wrote.
"Because of dad, Baylee got chosen," another wrote.
"They got this so, so wrong. She can sing circles around him and even Carrie said as much during their deliberations. He is male, white and has a famous dad. That is it. He is pitchy and timid in his delivery. I would not have let him even get this far much less to the top 24. Especially not over someone like her who is clearly the better singer. This felt so wrong and I was pretty angry over this decision," a comment read.
"Seriously??!!!!!…. I thought that the judges are in it for real!!… but it’s obvious that she sings better than him!!.. did you pass him through just because of who his father is??????? This was very unfair!!!!!!!!"
During Baylee’s audition, his father, Brian, made it clear that his son didn’t have any special advantages in pursuing a music career. In a heartfelt moment, Brian shared, “Obviously, growing up in the industry, people see that as a perk, but it’s not easy.”
"I believe I get my voice from my dad. Dance moves wise, that's the one thing genetically that did not pass down."
Baylee performed an original song during the auditions, titled "Waiting on Myself to Die," with Lionel later stating that he had set himself apart from his famous father and "was in his own lane." Lionel also believed that Baylee "could go a long way" in the competition.
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Baylee's mom, Leighanne Littrell, must have seen all the backlash her son faced when he made it to the Top 24, and wanted to remind him to keep his head up as he moved forward to the next rounds. After Baylee posted a photo on Instagram that showed him standing in front of the Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles, where he had battled Keilene for the covered spot, she cheered him on in the comment section.
He captioned his photo, "Y’ALL!!!! The #BayleeTrain keeps on chuggin’ 🚂 🚂 🚂 I MADE IT TO THE TOP 24 of @AmericanIdol! I have met so many amazing people on this journey and I’m so excited to keep it going!!"
Baylee's mom's comment read:
"Love you bub! I love your heart ! I love your song writing , I love your voice! Don’t listen to the negative peeps hating on you because of who your dad is You have so many people who love you for who you are and how talented you are! Keep shinning! Keep on keeping on! You have always carved your own path, and will continue too! We are so proud of you!!!!"
Several of Baylee's fans replied to Leighanne's comment and agreed that he was well-deserved of a spot on the Top 24. One fan wrote, "@leighanne_littrell exactly agreed! Your son has a beautiful voice and good heart on him you and his dad did a great job raising a nice young man. Rooting for him as well!"
Baylee's famous father, who has been extremely supportive of his son's Idol experience, also commented in his post. "Keep chugging Bubba that was a great job…. So much hard work, so very proud of you. 🔥."
Fans have been in awe of Baylee's natural talents, which also include playing the guitar and writing his own songs. Fans have even suggested that Baylee could make it all the way to the end. Unfortunately, there will always be naysayers with a show like American Idol. Thankfully, the judges no longer have to worry about all the backlash as it's now in the hands of the viewers, who will get to vote for their favorite contestants.
The next new episodes of American Idol Season 23 will be airing on Sunday, April 13th, and Monday, April 14th at 8:00 PM ET/PT on ABC.
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