why is there an age limit on american idol?

because they want young(er) stars who will grow and succeed as a singer

Well, here's my guess. There are already 8 bazillion people who stand in line to try out for American Idol between the ages of 15 and 28 (or whatever the range is)- imagine if that was open to ALL ages???!? It would be completely unmanageable. Also, historically, stars make it big when they are young, between those ages. I can't think of anyone who really broke onto the music scene in their 30's 40's or 50's. The public is attracted to young and beautiful, so that's what American Idol is trying to give the public.

Don't think the world is ready for a 60 year old American Idol. It's a young persons business ( Music).

I guess because the young ones will win anyway, but I think it's far more fun without an age limit, like on x-factor. The auditions by older people were usually the funniest.

Because it's about finding someone who can put up with the strains of travel and break under critizism.

Ever watch that Runway show on style channel? One woman got pregnant in the series and she was nothing but a pain in the butt.

Lets face it, there are enough kids out there willing to make jerks out of themselves in front of the entire planet, there wouldn't be enough time to see all the geriatric old fools get in on the act aswell.

Its viewers don't like wrinkles.