Heartbroken ‘American Idol’ Hopefuls Have Dreams Shattered Over Audition Restriction

American Idol' to return for 15th and final season | Fox 59

Next year, American Idol will see the show’s most commercially successful winner ever, Carrie Underwood, return as a judge. For season 23 (or season 8 of the ABC reboot,) the show is also allowing contestants to audition virtually. However, many Idol hopefuls are expressing outrage over a rule that they claim robs contestants 30 and older of their shot at stardom.

“Heartbroken”: ‘American Idol’ Viewers Roast Show Over Age Limit

Carrie Underwood promoted auditions for the upcoming season of American Idol in an Instagram post Thursday (Aug. 8.) The first-year judge shared a link allowing American Idol contestants to sign up for a “live virtual audition with a producer.”


However, the dates only allow participants between the ages of 14 and 29 to sign up. Eligibility requirements state that contestants must have been born “on or between June 2, 1995 and February 15, 2010.”

This was devastating news for many older fans hoping for their chance at Idol fame. “Bruh up the age limit! Because people that grew up with American Idol and were basically inspired to start singing because of it don’t get to compete! WTF!” wrote one incensed X/Twitter user.

Another disappointed fan added, “I’m heartbroken with @AmericanIdol – Every year, I click on the audition link and realize I am too old to audition. Meanwhile, every other singing show has no age limit. Idol, please explain.”

(It’s true that NBC rival The Voice places no upper age limit on its contestants. The show only stipulates that contestants are at least 13 years old.)

One Instagram user lamented, “It’s so sad they put an age limit. I’m by no means old but of course the world keeps sending the message that your dreams are over if you’re over 30.”

This Judge Has Criticized The Show’s Upper Age Limit

These viewers are not alone in their ire. American Idol judge Lionel Richie, 75, previously criticized the show’s upper age limit.

“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,” Richie told USA Today. “Singing is the same way. Sometimes there are so many people who are so qualified and ready to go at 40 and 50. We just completely missed them altogether.”