Is There An Age Limit On American Idol?

American Idol is in its 23rd season and has seen several contestants' careers flourish after they took home the Idol crown. Those winners that have had continued success outside the show include Season 1's Kelly Clarkson, Season 3's Fantasia Barrino, Season 4's Carrie Underwood (who joins Season 23 as a judge), Season 6's Jordin Sparks, and Season 10's Scotty McCreery, just to name a few.

All of these highly successful Idol winners and the ones there after were all under the age of 29 when they won. In fact, Jordin and Scotty hold the record of being the youngest contestants to ever win the reality TV singing competition show at the age of 17.

What fans may not be aware of is that American Idol has had an age limit since it first aired in 2002. That age limit has changed throughout the course of the show, specifically its upper age limit, as more older hopefuls can get a chance to showcase their talents.

Does American Idol Have An Age Limit?

The Voice And America's Got Talent Do Not Have An Upper Age Limit

American Idol has had an age limit ever since it first premiered in 2002. According to TV Insider, the first three seasons required contestants to be no younger than 16 and no older than 24. Season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson was 20-years-old when she won the competition. Meanwhile, Season 2 winner Ruben Studdard nearly made the cut when he auditioned for the show at age 24. Season 3 winner, Fantasia Barrio, was 19.

By Season 4, the upper age limit had increased to 28. It wasn't until Season 9 that the lower limit was dropped to 15. However, the upper age limit has since increased to 29. Contestants must not be younger than 15 or older than 29 "on the day of auditions," per Soap Central.

What Idol's age limit means is that the show is looking for fresh-faced talent, and that's okay. However, Idol's host Ryan Seacrest and even the current judges believe that the upper age limit may change in the future.

Similar reality TV shows like The Voice and America's Got Talent do not have an upper age limit. The Voice requires contestants to be at least 13 to be eligible to audition. Meanwhile, AGT does not have any age limitations as fans are in awe of talents from the young and the old.

American Idol Host Ryan Seacrest And Current Judges Tease That The Upper Age Limit May Change

Would Fans Watch Contestants In Their 40s And 50s On Idol?

The age range for Season 23 of American Idol is 15 to 29, which can bring about debate among fans. Having an age range does put a damper on aspiring singers 30 plus, who are looking for a way to make it into the entertainment business. A show like American Idol could help them get more exposure even if they don't win it all.

Host Ryan Seacrest seems to agree that changing the upper age limit could be possible for future Idol seasons. In an interview with USA Today, Ryan said "Never say never," when asked about the possibility of having contestants audition who are over 29.

In the same interview, judge Lionel Richie agreed with the host.

"I know [actors] who did not make it in their 20s and 30s. They made in their 40s and 50s because they finally realized, from Hollywood’s point of view, the character is what we need, that new, older character. Singing is the same way," Lionel shared.

"Sometimes there are so many people who are so qualified and ready to go at 40 and 50. We just completely missed them altogether."

A few fans on a Reddit thread discussing Idol's age limit seemed to agree that the upper age limit should change. However, others believe that there shouldn't even be one. "Good music is good music. Regardless of age," a comment read. "The age bracket really should be 18-35 IMO instead of 14-29," another person wrote.

Another Reddit thread saw a commenter believe that Idol should consider doing a spinoff for singers in an older age bracket, much like The Bachelor's spinoff, The Golden Bachelor and The Golden Bachelorette.

"American Idol was always designed to find the next superstar, so it showcases and gives the floor to younger talent. I honestly prefer it to stay this way, because that has been the formula for the show since day one. If they change the age limit, they're essentially scrapping the original purpose of the show and could be missing out on untapped potential."

"However, it would be pretty cool if they did something similar to The Golden Bachelor, where they had a season strictly for the older folks who SHOULD have been discovered a long time ago! "

But, would fans watch a "Golden Idol?"

Who Were The Youngest And Oldest Contestants To Win American Idol?

Season 5's Taylor Hicks Was The Oldest To Win Idol At Age 29

American Idol has seen contestants of varying ages (within the age limit) win it all. The oldest contestants to win Idol were Season 5 winner, Taylor Hicks, in 2006, and Season 14 winner, Nick Fradiani, in 2015, who were both 29 when they won the reality TV show.

As for the youngest to ever win Idol? Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks and Season 10 winner, Scotty McCreery, were only 17 when they won the show in their respective seasons in 2007 and 2011.

15-year-old Mattie Pruitt is the youngest contestant on the show this season. She wowed the judges with her rendition of "How Could You" by Jessie Murph during her auditions. Her soulful voice has left a lasting impression on fans alike.

During "Hollywood Week," Mattie came in full force with her rendition of "Cold" by Chris Stapleton, and during the "Hollywood Week: Showstopper" episode, Mattie showcased her powerful vocals by singing James Brown's "It's A Man's Man's Man's World." She's since secured a spot on the Top 24.

If Mattie did make it to the end, she would be the youngest contestant to ever win Idol. Even if she doesn't win it all, it's safe to say that she has a promising future as a singer.