What are American Idol's contestant eligibility rules?

Contestant Eligibility To be eligible to participate as a contestant on American Idol, candidates must be American citizens able to work full time between the ages of 16 and 28 by August 4th of the year of the audition. Contestants who audition must bring two proof of age, a birth certificate and a driver's license, a passport, or a school ID card. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Contestants must also sign the release form and bring it to the audition. In addition, contestants asked to audition for the semi-final round in Los Angeles, must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the producers, that they do not have any of the following:

contract for talent representation (for example, a talent agent or manager); a music recording contract; an acting and/or modeling contract; a merchandising agreement; or, any other contractual arrangement that would prohibit you from entering into a management contract, recording contract, talent contract, acting contract and/or merchandising contract.

Potential contestants are also not qualified to participate if they have progressed in any previous season of "American Idol" to any of the following levels:

Season 1 - top 30 contestants

Season 2 - top 32 contestants

Season 3 - top 32 contestants

Season 4 - top 44 contestants

Season 5 - top 44 contestants