7 Surprising Rules “American Idol” Contestants Have to Follow

Adam England, Selena BarrientosTue, May 12, 2026 at 9:30 PM UTC

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Host Ryan Seacrest stands onstage with contestants on 'American Idol' season 24
Credit: Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty -

American Idol has had set rules for potential contestants since it debuted in 2002

The reality singing competition show has a few eligibility requirements, but maintained others

American Idol season 25 auditions are now open, including in-person auditions at the CMA Fest

American Idol is always on the search for its next big star.

When the singing competition show first premiered in 2002 on Fox, it had Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson as its trio of judges. Since then, the reality series has undergone several changes, moving to ABC in 2018 after a two-year hiatus and featuring a roster of A-list judges along the way.

Among those to have found fame through the show are winners Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Jordin Sparks, plus fellow contestants Jennifer Hudson and Adam Lambert. In a full-circle moment, Underwood joined American Idol's judging panel alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan in 2024.

It’s been a resounding success over the years, with season 24's Hollywood Week bringing in over 5.5 million total viewers, Deadline reported. Though the judges and contestants may often change, one element remains the same for fans: seeing the rise of a potential star starting from the audition process.

Here's everything to know about American Idol rules contestants must know from application steps to expectations while competing on the show.

Contestants must be between ages 15 and 28

Jordin Sparks at 17 on 'American Idol' season 6 in 2007
Credit: Lester Cohen/WireImage

Throughout its run, American Idol has adhered to age restrictions, though minor changes have happened over time.

For its first three seasons, contestants needed to be between 16 and 24, according to Deadline. During season 4, the age limit was raised to 28, while season 10 made hopefuls as young as 15 eligible.

Today, aspiring singers between the ages of 15 and 28 can audition to appear on the show, per a listing for American Idol's season 25 auditions.

For contestants who are under the age of 18 on the day of their audition, a parent or legal guardian can assist during the registration process.

Contestants have to meet additional eligibility requirements

American Idol requires that contestants be legal residents of the U.S. and authorized to participate in the entire competition.

Participants must have the unrestricted right to work in the U.S. or the appropriate U.S. employment authorization permitting them to participate and compete, according to the show's latest eligibility requirements.

In addition, contestants who have any immediate family members or people in their household employed by companies involved in the show, including American Idol Productions, Inc. and ABC, cannot enter the competition.

Furthermore, during the time of auditions, individuals aren’t permitted to be candidates for public office and are required to agree not to run for public office until a year after the first airing of the final episode of the show on which they appear.

Contestants can’t be under certain contracts

Kelly Clarkson on 'American Idol' season 1 on September 4, 2002 in Hollywood, California
Credit: SGranitz/WireImage

In order to accept an invitation to appear on American Idol, the audition information states that hopefuls must demonstrate that they aren't already involved in a contractual arrangement that would stop them from fully taking part in the show and/or entering other contracts required by producers, per the eligibility requirements.

This includes but is not limited to, "an exclusive recording contract, merchandising contract, a live and/or global touring agreement, a music publishing or songwriting agreement, an agency live performance booking contract and an exclusive management contract.”

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However, for people who have a management contract prior to their first audition in front of the judges, the requirement to enter into a management contract would not apply, providing they can prove that the contract began beforehand.

There are rules surrounding whether contestants from previous seasons can return

Candice Glover on 'American Idol' season 12 in April 17, 2013 in Hollywood, California ; Candice Glover on November 21, 2017 in New York City
Credit: FOX Image Collection/Getty ; Walter McBride/Getty

While a number of contestants have returned to audition again in the seasons following their first audition, there are rules outlining when doing so is and isn’t permitted.

The current rules state that participants who previously placed first in a season of American Idol cannot re-audition — so previous winners would not be able to audition again, per the eligibility requirements.

That said, contestants can come back even after making progress in the competition. Candice Glover auditioned three times, making it to the early stages of season 9 and getting to the Top 40 in season 11. She eventually won during season 12 in 2013, according to TV Guide.

Season 13 winner Caleb Johnson had a similar experience, as he recalled to Business Insider.

Contestants have to audition several times before they get in front of the judges

Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan during the 'American Idol' season 24 auditions
Credit: Disney/Eric McCandless

Hopefuls can audition either online or in-person.

Aspiring singers can register on the online audition website and submit a video. In the clip, individuals are required to answer a series of questions before performing their song of choice. It can be a cappella or with a musical instrument, but it must be a solo audition without a band or backup singers.

If a person is selected to move forward in the process, they will be invited to attend a virtual audition via Zoom or appear in-person depending on available options at the time.

One of the final stages of auditions is appearing in front of the judges. The American Idol website states that potential contestants must provide their own travel and accommodations at this point in the process.

"You will be notified of the date and location of your judge audition after you are selected. If you are under the age of 18, your parent or legal guardian must accompany you to the judge audition," the site adds.

Now, that season 25 auditions are about to kick off, singers can audition in-person at the CMA Fest on June 5, 2026. According to the site, it'll "just you, your voice, and our producers."

Contestants are required to dress appropriately

The online audition website requests that participants "not wear any clothing or bring any items that have designer names, corporate or sports team names or logos, copyrighted images, celebrity names or images (living or dead), cartoon character images or inappropriate messages or words (for example, profanity).“

Contestants were also requested to cover any tattoos considered to breach any of the above guidelines, too.

Contestants can’t talk about the show while involved in the process

'American Idol'
Credit: Eric McCandless/Disney

Crystal Bowersox, who was the runner-up on season 9, told Business Insider in July 2022 that she had to sign a contract including non-disclosure agreements for her and her family, preventing her from talking about the show, once she made it to Hollywood Week.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”