Country Singer's Son Shines on 'American Idol' with Dad's Song

Christian Brown's emotional audition with father Marty Brown earns him a spot in Hollywood Week

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Country songwriter Marty Brown accompanied his 22-year-old son Christian during an emotional audition on the latest episode of American Idol. The father-son duo performed Marty's song "Wildest Dreams," with Christian explaining that choosing one of his dad's songs was his way of telling him "I love you." All three judges voted to send Christian through to the next round, though they encouraged him to continue developing his vocal confidence and stage presence.

Why it matters

American Idol has increasingly focused on personal storytelling during its audition rounds, and the appearance of Marty and Christian Brown marked one of the most emotional moments of the season so far. Marty Brown is a respected country songwriter, best known for co-writing Tracy Byrd's 1994 hit "I'm From the Country," adding to the significance of Christian's performance of his father's song.

The details

Christian, a delivery driver from Franklin, Kentucky, described his father Marty as "a great songwriter, a great singer and a great dad" ahead of their performance. The father-son duo began their audition together, with Luke Bryan briefly joining in and harmonizing from the judges' table. After the performance, Christian explained that choosing one of his father's songs was deeply personal, saying "It's my way of telling him I love him." All three judges - Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood - voted to send Christian through to Hollywood Week, though they encouraged him to continue developing his vocal confidence and stage presence.

  • The audition took place during the Feb. 9, 2026 episode of American Idol.

The players

Christian Brown

A 22-year-old delivery driver from Franklin, Kentucky who auditioned for American Idol with his father, Marty Brown.

Marty Brown

A respected country songwriter, best known for co-writing Tracy Byrd's 1994 hit "I'm From the Country." He accompanied his son Christian during his American Idol audition.

Luke Bryan

One of the judges on American Idol, who briefly joined in and harmonized with Marty and Christian Brown during their performance.

Lionel Richie

One of the judges on American Idol, who encouraged Christian Brown to continue developing his vocal confidence and stage presence.

Carrie Underwood

One of the judges on American Idol, who voted to send Christian Brown through to Hollywood Week.

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What they’re saying

“It's my way of telling him I love him. I would not be where I am today without him.”

— Christian Brown (American Idol)

“That's my boy.”

— Marty Brown (American Idol)

“I want to hear more from your vocals moving forward.”

— Lionel Richie, Judge (American Idol)

“I'm looking forward to seeing you grow throughout the competition.”

— Luke Bryan, Judge (American Idol)

What’s next

The judges encouraged Christian Brown to continue developing his vocal confidence and stage presence as he advances to Hollywood Week in the American Idol competition.

The takeaway

The emotional audition of Marty and Christian Brown on American Idol showcased the power of family connections and personal storytelling in the long-running singing competition. Christian's performance of his father's song highlighted the importance of supporting and celebrating one's roots, even on the national stage.