American Idol lowers minimum age to 15, pandering to its teen audience

Teenagers who are 15 can now audition for American Idol, as the show has decreased its minimum age by one year, from 16. “A lot of young, talented people are now seeking careers and representation before they turn 16. Lowering the age limit allows us to tap into this talent pool,” executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz said in a press release.

In other words, in its desperation to retain its audience, the show is pandering to its teen audience and teen voters instead of searching for older, more experienced artists by raising its upper limit, which is 28. Do we really more Aaron Kelly and Katie Stevens-like finalists, but with even less experience? And can we find a way to blame Justin Bieber for this, even though he’s 16 now?