'American Idol's' Casting Call for International Hopefuls Causes Uproar: 'Tell Judges Contestants Must Live in America'

Are non-Americans eligible to join American Idol?

Starting the second hour of American Idol Season 22 auditions on March 24, 2024 was Jordan Anthony, an 18-year-old barista from Perth who gained fame as a finalist on The Voice Australia.

Originating from Perth, Australia, the 18-year-old embarked on a journey alongside his father.

Unfortunately, social media flooded with viewers expressing irritation over the ABC show's decision to include international contestants in its casting call.

Upon discovering Jordan's background and worldwide recognition, viewers of American Idol flooded YouTube with comments.

"Please stop allowing people who have already competed on different talent shows in different countries compete!!!" exclaimed one viewer.

Another puzzled commenter questioned, "This is American Idol, right? Maybe I'm missing something."

Expressing frustration, one viewer remarked, "Seriously, why are there so many international contestants on American Idol? We've got someone from Australia now and we've seen others from different countries."

Meanwhile, on X, formerly Twitter, one person asked, "What's up with all of the people from other countries auditioning for #AmericanIdol??" while another said furiously, "Someone needs to tell the judges that the contestants MUST live in America. Hence, American Idol."

A third person noticed, "Is #AmericanIdol just doing a casting call for international artists and hoping we won't realize what's happening? Jordan Anthony was a finalist on #TheVoiceAustralia."

READ ALSO: It's OK: 'Bachelor' Villain Juan Pablo's Daughter 'Barely Makes It In' After Dad Accompanies Her to 'American Idol' Audition

American Idol Eligibility Requirements

The criteria for eligibility on American Idol may differ slightly across seasons, but typically, participants are required to meet the following guidelines:

- Be within the age range specified for auditions (usually between 15 and 28).

- Must be a legal resident of the United States or its territories or possess the appropriate work authorization to be employed in the United States.

- Must not have any current recording or talent management contracts.

- Not competed in previous American Idol seasons past the top 10 stage.

- Be able to commit to the show's production schedule if selected.

- Meet any additional eligibility criteria specified by the show's producers.

About the second point, it is usually specified that participants need to be legal residents of the United States, including its territories, or possess the necessary work permits to be employed within the country.

Thus, although contestants are not obligated to be citizens of the United States, they must hold legal residency or work authorization.

READ MORE: Katy Perry's 'American Idol' Decisions: Did She Just Reject the Next Taylor Swift?