With over 20 seasons, American Idol is the most popular singing competition television series of all time. From its first season, the winners of this competition show have become big stars. Two of American Idol’s top winners are Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, but the show has also kick-started the careers of non-winners like Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert, and Todrick Hall, to name a few.
Throughout its time on the air, there have been many American Idol controversies, like when Adam Lambert Losing To Kris Allen or the on-screen feud between Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey.
Most recently, fans were shocked to learn the many rules the contestants of this popular singing competition have to adhere to. While some of these rules make sense, others are just plain weird, like the rule that bans American Idol contestants from running for office after competing on the show.
American Idol Contestants Have to Follow A Lot Of Rules To Be On The Show
Like many other competition shows, American Idol has a set of strict rules contestants must follow in order to appear on the show. For example, unlike The Voice or America’s Got Talent, this competition has age limits.
Contestants must be between 15 and 29 years old in order to audition and compete. Contestants under 18 have to bring a parent or guardian along with them to the audition. Additionally, all contestants must live, be legal residents, and be authorized to work in the United States. Lastly, competitors can’t have any pending contracts or record deals.
Another important rule in American Idol is that contestants must disclose their criminal record to the show’s producers beforehand. Having a criminal record doesn’t necessarily mean that a contestant won’t be allowed on the show, as minor crimes might be overlooked. However, those who have a history of violent crimes are not allowed to participate altogether. Plus, those who do not inform producers of their charges will be disqualified.
This is a rule that is not taken lightly in American Idol. For instance, season 11th finalist, Jermaine Jones, was removed from the competition because he had pending criminal charges the producers were not aware of. Likewise, Jaered Andrews from the 2nd season and Corey Clark from the 9th season were also disqualified because of their criminal records.
Another big rule in this singing competition is that contestants can’t have any romantic relationship with the judges. This became an official rule after season 2 contestant Corey Clark claimed that he had an affair with Paula Abdul, who served as a judge during his time on the show. This rule even extends to having family members or other connections with employees of the American Idol production company, to completely avoid conflicts of interest.
American Idol Has a Bizarre Rule for Contestants That Want to Have a Political Career After Appearing on the Show
While many of the rules American Idol contestants must follow to appear on the show make sense, some others are just plain bizarre. For example, contestants can’t run for office after appearing on American Idol.
Aspiring Idols aren't allowed to profit off of their time on the show monetarily and they're not allowed to use their reality TV fame to gain political power.
That’s why the show's eligibility requirements state that contestants cannot be running for public office when they audition for the show and that they have to wait at least one year before they're allowed to launch a political campaign after their time on American Idol ends. Surprisingly, this rule is common in competition shows, including The Voice.
Although it may seem bizarre at first, this rule actually makes a lot of sense. Even more so if we take into consideration that American Idol contestants have tried to make a career in politics after appearing on the show. For instance, season 2’s runner-up, Clay Aiken, had a not-so-successful political run in 2014 and then again in 2022.
Not Every American Idol Winner Is Happy with the Rules They Have to Follow After Their Time on the Show
American Idol winner must sign a record contract and commit to performing on a national tour. Typically, the terms of their contract are hammered out before the season finale and they must sign with the show's chosen record label.
Finalists and winners are also required to give live performances near the end of the season in order to drum up votes from the public and promote the show’s last episodes.
Because the contracts are negotiated way before the finale, this can lead to the winner being stuck with a deal that’s not very beneficial to them. For example, season 11’s winner Phillip Phillips has openly talked about how his contract was “manipulative” and overbearing.
In fact, in 2015 Phillips filed a lawsuit against production company 19 Entertainment, who he was signed to after winning American Idol, because he was obliged to perform multiple concerts without compensation and had very little creative control over his music. He even alleged that the production and management company hired a producer that “compromised his interests” when he recorded his first two albums.
Ultimately, Phillips’ legal dispute with the company was settled privately in 2017 after 19 Entertainment filed for bankruptcy. But since then, the singer has tried to dissuade young performers from appearing on the show.
