Carrie Underwood Worries ’90s Star Is Mad at Her After Difficult ‘American Idol’ Elimination

Not everyone can be the next American Idol — and judge Carrie Underwood had to make a difficult choice on the most recent episode of the singing competition.

Underwood, who was crowned the winner herself back in 2005, made her debut as a judge on Season 23 of Idol this year. While the singer’s new role sparked intense public interest, she wasn’t the only star fans had their eye on this season — 22-year-old contestant Baylee Littrell immediately captured viewers’ attention, not just for his own talent, but because he is the son of Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell.

While Baylee made it to the Top 20, he and six other contestants were eliminated from the show on Monday night’s live broadcast. Underwood — along with fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan — chose instead to move on with the other contestants to create the Top 14.

Therefore, when asked by Entertainment Tonight on the red carpet if Brian would be “mad” at her for eliminating his son, Underwood was honest.

“Don’t think it didn’t cross my mind,” she quipped.

Still, the eight-time Grammy winner, 42, had nothing but kind words to say about the father-son duo. “Brian’s wonderful. I’ve had the chance to speak with him numerous times over the years and Baylee’s so good,” Underwood gushed, explaining of Baylee’s elimination: “It was one of those things that it’s like, we try to think of what people want to see.”

“Like, the talent is insane!” she emphasized. “And somebody’s … gotta be voted off, so…,” she trailed off, before once again praising the young singer: “I’ve been a Baylee fan since the first time we heard him sing,” Underwood gushed.

Baylee, for his part, took to Instagram to share the news and thank his fans, affectionately known as the Baylee Train.

“My American Idol journey has come to an end💙,” he captioned the Tuesday, April 22 post, which featured photos of him performing on the show. “Thank you so much to all that supported me this season🙏🏼 I love you all 🙌🏼 #idol #bayleetrain.”

Brian, for his part, shared his support for his only child in the comments section.

“Bubba I am and always will be in your corner. You are so strong and so very talented, and inspire me every day,” the “I Want It That Way” artist shared. It’s never the end, only the beginning for so many to be blessed by your gifts….. you killed it last night. 🔥❤️.”