Skip to Content

40 Rules 'American Idol' Contestants Have to Follow That You've Probably Never Heard About

There are a lot of hurdles before you head to Hollywood.

By Charlotte Chilton and Janaya Wecker
american idol rules
John Fleenor//Getty Images

American Idol paved the way for the myriad singing shows on network television today. From the horrible auditions to the nerve-wracking finale, it's hard not to get caught up in the journey of the aspiring singers. But there's a lot viewers don't see. We're breaking down the craziest rules you probably didn't know contestants had to follow throughout the competition — from auditions to prepping for weekly competitions.

1

You have to meet the age requirements.

american idol rules age requirement
Ray Mickshaw//Getty Images

Unlike other talent shows, American Idol has a strict age window. All contestants must be at least 15 years old and no more than 29 at the time of their audition.

2

If you’re under 18, bring a parent.

american idol rules age requirement
Kevin Winter/American Idol 2011//Getty Images

Because you could potentially have to sign a legal document to be on live television, any contestant under the age of 18 has to bring a parent or legal guardian with them to the audition.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3

You must live in the U.S.

american idol rules
Ray Mickshaw//Getty Images

American is literally in the name of the show, so it makes sense that all contestants must be legal U.S. residents, and also legally allowed to work in the country.

4

Your have to audition online first.

american idol rules   audition
Michael Buckner//Getty Images

For more recent seasons, contestants had to submit an online audition tape, which consisted of answering a few personal questions and singing a song of your choice.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5

You may have to wait for months for a callback.

american idol rules callbacks
Kevork Djansezian//Getty Images

After submitting an online audition, there's almost a six-month lag between when you'll be contacted for a callback.

6

Next, you have to audition for producers.

american idol rules auditions
Ray Mickshaw//Getty Images

If you do get a callback, your second round audition is for producers and they're the ones who ultimately decide if you get a judges panel audition or not.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7

Walk-ins are welcome.

american idol rules
Michael Buckner//Getty Images

Walk-ins can register at 9 a.m. the morning of auditions. If you registered online beforehand, it's as easy as checking in and taking your seat — just be prepared to wait.

8

Don't lose your ticket.

american idol rules ticket
Scott Gries//Getty Images

After checking in, you'll be issued a ticket. If you make it to the next stage of the competition, you'll be given a yellow ticket to (wait for it) Hollywood! Just please don't lose your ticket.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9

And hold on especially tight to platinum tickets.

american idol
ABC

Starting in 2022, judges get to reward nine singers with platinum tickets. "They get to basically observe from the box seats at the theater – one day, they get to rest their voice, strategize, check out the competition and select who they want to duet with," Katy Perry explained at the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour panel.

10

You can't audition twice in one season.

american idol rules audition
Rick Diamond//Getty Images

Contestant are allowed to submit only one online audition per season. Don't worry, there's always next year!

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11

Past contestants can't reaudition either.

american idol rules audition
Eric Liebowitz//Getty Images

Anyone who's made it to the top 10 in a previous season is deemed ineligible and can't reenter the competition.

12

You have to cover your own travel.

american idol rules travel
Eric McCandless//Getty Images

It's free to audition for American Idol, but you have to cover your travel and accommodations. The show will not compensate or arrange travel for people auditioning, even callbacks.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13

You can sing any song you want.

american idol rules audition song choice
M Becker/American Idol 2008//Getty Images

Whether it's an original song or a greatest hit, it's your choice what you sing for the judges. If your time is limited, you can even pick out a part of the song to highlight.

14

You must audition alone.

american idol rules auditions
Kevin Winter//Getty Images

There are no group acts on American Idol, so only the potential contestant is allowed in the audition room. FYI: No instrumental support or backup singers are allowed either.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15

But you can bring in a guitar.

american idol rules auditions
Portland Press Herald//Getty Images

The show recommends contestants sing a cappella, but contestants are allowed to bring a musical instrument into the audition room if they can play it themselves.

16

No ties are allowed.

american idol rules
Josh Vertucci//Getty Images

Most American Idol seasons have had three judges, but some have had four. To avoid a split 50/50 vote, the show has implemented a majority rule. That means if a contestant faces a four-judge panel, they must receive at least three yeses to move forward.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
17

You have to dress for television.

american idol rules
M Becker/American Idol 2008//Getty Images

The show asks that all auditioning contestants avoid wearing clothing that has corporate logos, sports names, or brands on it to their audition.

18

All of your in-person auditions will be recorded.

american idol rules
Kelsey McNeal//Getty Images

Even though the judges don't watch the preliminary rounds, those moments are still all captured on film.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19

The best don't always move on.

american idol rules
David Banks//Getty Images

As harsh as it sounds, producers on American Idol sometimes purposefully move bad singers through the audition process, since viewers enjoy watching a mix of good and bad singers. Unfortunately, this takes away spots for qualified singers.

20

You can't have any pending contracts or record deals.

american idol rules contracts
Eric McCandless//Getty Images

If you accept the invitation to join American Idol, you must sign a contract that says you don't have any contractual obligations or agreements with your music.

Watch Next 
american idol rules
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below