• Season 23 of “American Idol” premiered Sunday night with new judge, Carrie Underwood, and a slew of hopeful contestants.
• Notable auditions included Baylee Littrell, son of Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell, and 17-year-old Isaiah Misailegalu.
• The judges sent a total of 15 contestants to Hollywood from the season premiere.

On Sunday night, a new season of “American Idol” kicked off with a packed slate of auditions and a new judge on the panel.

Season 23 of the popular singing competition show sees Carrie Underwood stepping into the judge’s chair in Katy Perry’s place, who left after a seven-season stint to focus on her music and touring.

Underwood, the winner of “American Idol” Season 4, “Before He Cheats” singer and an eight-time Grammy Award-winner, joined country singer Luke Bryan and R&B great Lionel Richie on the judging panel.

And on the show’s season premiere, the three judges visit New York, Los Angeles and Nashville to watch the first few rounds of auditions.

Here’s what to know about Season 23’s premiere episode.

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More: ‘American Idol’ premiere: Carrie Underwood cries, a Backstreet Boy duets with his son

The Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell duets with son, Baylee, on audition

Baylee Littrell, a 21-year-old college student from Georgia, has music in his DNA.

Littrell, the son of The Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell, began hitting the stage early when he opened up for his fathers’ band on tour.

“I believe I get my voice from Dad, and hopefully I can do him justice today,” Baylee Littrell said. His father gushed over him as well, saying that his son is 10 times more talented than he ever was.

For his audition, Littrell sang an original tune called “Waiting on Myself to Die,” a raw acoustic track that showcased his refreshing singer-songwriter sound.

After the audition, the judges asked for a father-son duet.

Baylee and Brian reprised the song with harmonies, and of course, the judges agreed to send Littrell on to Hollywood.

Blountville native Abi Bowen turns back on judges, Luke Bryan duets with contestant

Blountville, Tenn. resident Abi Bowen decided to audition for “American Idol” after her mother died. The two of them always used to watch the show together and connect over music.

And though Bowen has major stage fright, now felt like the right time to conquer her fears and perform live.

Donning sunglasses, closing her eyes and turning her back to the judges to combat the nerves, Bowen performed Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me.”

More: ‘American Idol’ judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie spotted in Nashville

During her soulful rendition of the track, the judges snuck up on Bowen as she sang.

Bryan told Bowen that last season’s contestant Emmy Russell, a Nashville singer-songwriter and the granddaughter of Loretta Lynn, started the show with the same nervous energy. The judges encouraged her, like Russell, to push past the fright.

The judges delivered a unanimous yes, sending Bowen to Hollywood.

Another of the episode’s most lively moments came when contestant Crews Wright delivered a spirited cover of George Strait’s track “The Fireman.”

The 17-year-old high school student from Alabama sang the classic as the judges caroled along, and after the audition, Wright invited Bryan up to sing a verse with him.

“We’re gonna turn this into a damn honky-tonk,” Bryan said, sitting down at the piano. Bryan played and sang along with Wright, and after a lively reprise, the judges sent Wright to Hollywood.

Other top auditions from ‘American Idol’ Season 23 premiere

Another top audition came from 17-year-old Isaiah Misailegalu, a Samoan high school student from Las Vegas, Nevada.

Misailegalu covered Donny Hathaway’s “A Song For You” alongside acoustic guitar accompaniment from his uncle.

The judges gave three yeses to Misailegalu.

A Texas stay-at-home mom, Breanna Nix, sang Underwood’s song “Jesus, Take the Wheel” as Underwood held Nix’s toddler in her lap.

Underwood called the cover an “honor,” and the judges gave three unanimous yeses yet again.

The episode’s recipient of the platinum ticket, which sends a contestant through the first week of Hollywood untouched, was Kolbi Jordan.

The 26-year-old from Tulsa left judge Lionel Richie in awe with her cover of Chrisette Michele’s song “Epiphany (I’m Leaving).”

On the episode, Richie got Jordan on the phone with her musical idol Patti LaBelle, telling her, “There is a young lady here who has really been ‘sanging.’ I want to introduce you.”

After her audition, the judges decided to set Jordan up with a performance at a Tennessee Titans game in Nashville.

Following a performance at Nissan Stadium, the show’s host, Ryan Seacrest, informed Jordan that her golden ticket would be upgraded to a platinum ticket.

Who is going to Hollywood from ‘American Idol’ Season 23 premiere?

The judges are sending 15 people to Hollywood from the season’s premiere.

“American Idol” will return next Sunday at 7 p.m. CT on ABC.

Reporting from USA Today’s KiMi Robinson contributed to this article.