American Idol Age Limit Too Young?

Is the American Idol new age limit too young? Should a 15 year old be allowed to compete on the show. American Idol touted the age limit tonight during the second week of the show in Milwaukee. Host Ryan Seacrest even acknowledged the decision to have 15 year olds compete was a good one for the show. But is it good for the kids?

Should 15 year olds be treated as vulnerable children who shouldn't have the opportunity to perform on a show like AI? I think the answer probably should be best answered by the individual parents. Many of the young stars in todays pop culture started their careers even younger than that. Miley Cyrus was certainly enjoying her share of fame on Disney well before that age. Taylor Swift popped onto the country music scene at a young age. Justin Bieber became an internet sensation and is now a huge music star.

The list goes on and on. It appears some of these kids have handled the fame and fortune that comes with such a trek in a great manner. Some have not. But what kind of message does it send to kids that 15 year olds are allowed to compete on the show?

Will the show give false hope to some kids who might be very fragile? It's an interesting question and it's certainly going to be discussed not only by critics of the show but at dinner tables for hopefuls around the country. If American Idol comes to town, it's not that big of a deal to wait in line to try out, is it?
What harm could possibly come out of singing in front of three judges--if you make it that far?

I personally don't think the American Idol age limit is bad--but where does the American Idol age limit or restrictions stop? Will we eventually see 5 year olds on the show as witnessed during the episode tonight? In case you missed or were wondering what happened on American Idol last night, there were several 15 year olds who landed tickets to Hollywood. That means the parents will need to accommodate the travel plans of their children and adjust their lives to figure out a way to make that possible dream come true. That means a bunch of 15 year olds will all have incredibly high hopes that they will win American Idol-when only one contestant can truly win the title. Is that giving kids false hope or creating an illusion that a music career is a large possibility since they passed the first round of critiques? And what about the kids who are judged harshly and don't even make the first cut? What happens to the kids who get judged so harshly that it completely destroys them? I can definitely see that as a possibility considering the fragile state for some young kids.

I believe the key here is for parents to emotionally prepare their kids for the potential criticism they may face in an American Idol tryout. There are probably many parents who avoid giving such criticism for fear of being completely truthful with their kids. Those kinds of white lies might just set up those particular kids for heartbreak at such American Idol tryouts. I certainly believe some young individuals are even more capable of some adults at receiving such harsh criticism.

Not everyone agrees with the American Idol age limit or restrictions. This story on MTV details how the pressure of American Idol judges could certainly get to young hopefuls. It's an interesting question that we will probably never have a true answer to. American Idol is free to set the rules at its own discretion--so we can only discuss the idea about the American Idol age limits or restrictions and throw out ideas as food for thought. The real question is whether a parent believes their own particular child is ready for the potential heartbreak that comes with failure. I think it's safe to say there needs to be a talk about "life goes on" whether or not the American Idol judges believe you have potential or should quit singing. There also needs to be a little parental honesty on whether or not your own kid has the potential to make such a cut. I have a son, too--and I know that any noise that comes out his mouth in regards to singing will probably be beautiful to me because I am a proud parent. But at the same token, when heading for a potential tryout a different mindset should be utilized to avoid the drama!!