40 Strict 'American Idol' Rules Contestants Have to Follow

American Idol paved the way for the myriad singing shows on network television today. From the horrible auditions to the nerve-wracking finale, it's hard not to get caught up in the journey of the aspiring singers. But there's a lot viewers don't see. We're breaking down the craziest rules you probably didn't know contestants had to follow throughout the competition — from auditions to prepping for weekly competitions.

Unlike other talent shows, American Idol has a strict age window. All contestants must be at least 15 years old and no more than 29 at the time of their audition.

Because you could potentially have to sign a legal document to be on live television, any contestant under the age of 18 has to bring a parent or legal guardian with them to the audition.

American is literally in the name of the show, so it makes sense that all contestants must be legal U.S. residents, and also legally allowed to work in the country.

For more recent seasons, contestants had to submit an online audition tape, which consisted of answering a few personal questions and singing a song of your choice.

After submitting an online audition, there's almost a six-month lag between when you'll be contacted for a callback.

If you do get a callback, your second round audition is for producers and they're the ones who ultimately decide if you get a judges panel audition or not.

Walk-ins can register at 9 a.m. the morning of auditions. If you registered online beforehand, it's as easy as checking in and taking your seat — just be prepared to wait.

After checking in, you'll be issued a ticket. If you make it to the next stage of the competition, you'll be given a yellow ticket to (wait for it) Hollywood! Just please don't lose your ticket.

...you could now get a platinum ticket to Hollywood Week. Starting in 2022, judges reward nine extra-special singers the chance of a lifetime. "They get to basically observe from the box seats at the theater - one day, they get to rest their voice, strategize, check out the competition and select who they want to duet with," Katy Perry explained at the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour panel.

Contestant are allowed to submit only one online audition per season. Don't worry, there's always next year!

Anyone who's made it to the top 10 in a previous season is deemed ineligible and can't reenter the competition.

It's free to audition for American Idol, but you have to cover your travel and accommodations. The show will not compensate or arrange travel for people auditioning, even callbacks.

Whether it's an original song or a greatest hit, it's your choice what you sing for the judges. If your time is limited, you can even pick out a part of the song to highlight.

There are no group acts on American Idol, so only the potential contestant is allowed in the audition room. FYI: No instrumental support or backup singers are allowed either.

The show recommends contestants sing a cappella, but contestants are allowed to bring a musical instrument into the audition room if they can play it themselves.

Most American Idol seasons have had three judges, but some have had four. To avoid a split 50/50 vote, the show has implemented a majority rule. That means if a contestant faces a four-judge panel, they must receive at least three yeses to move forward.

The show asks that all auditioning contestants avoid wearing clothing that has corporate logos, sports names, or brands on it to their audition.

Even though the judges don't watch the preliminary rounds, those moments are still all captured on film.

As harsh as it sounds, producers on American Idol sometimes purposefully move bad singers through the audition process, since viewers enjoy watching a mix of good and bad singers. Unfortunately, this takes away spots for qualified singers.

If you accept the invitation to join American Idol, you must sign a contract that says you don't have any contractual obligations or agreements with your music.

You have to put your political aspirations on hold if you join American Idol. Per the show's eligibility requirements, you aren't allowed to run for political office during the competition and can't become a candidate for one year after the competition.

To ensure the competition is fair, contestants and their family members can't be an employee of or directly linked to the media companies or sponsorships connected to the show.

This rule wasn't in place until rumors of a relationship between judge, Paula Abdul, and former contestant, Corey Clark, emerged. The rumor launched a formal investigation by the network and a rule was instated that a contestant can be disqualified and a judge can be fired for breaking said rule.

Especially if you make it to the later rounds and America begins to really know you, producers want to make you more relatable. That's why it's common to see contestants in their hometowns, with their friends and family, and more.

After the contestants learn they are headed for Hollywood, they're asked to sign a confidentiality agreement and release form. A singer can't enter the competition without doing so.

Word to the wise: Try to hang on until at least the top 12. That's when the contestants sign with the TV union AFTRA and begin receiving $921 a week for the hour-long show, according to Today in 2007.

During your time on American Idol, you can't promote any personal brands. Charities and awareness causes are allowed, but regular companies for monetary gain are not.

Good news! After you've traveled to Hollywood, production covers the cost of your food and living expenses.

The show provides a weekly fashion budget of $450 for each contestant, and you can work with the show's stylist to figure out the best outfit for that week's performance.

Every Thursday, the contestants are told the show's weekly theme and have to choose a song from a pre-approved list, according to Today. The contestants only have one hour to tell producers their choice.

If you've ever watched the end of an American Idol episode — when they're reviewing all the performances of the night along with voting info — and noticed something looks different, you're right. Production often pre-makes these packages and uses clips from the dress rehearsal instead of the live show to make things easier.

The producers have the right to deem a contestant ineligible or disqualified at any time and hold the sole power of the decision, due to the contract contestants sign prior to the competition.

If producers find someone they really want to be in the competition but didn't meet the requirements, they can occasionally make exceptions.

Now, this one may be a given, but American Idol is not for any shy singers out there. Starting from the semi-finals, contestants must perform in front of a studio audience.

American Idol finalists are given a chance to record three original songs. If you don't win, you can do whatever you want with the songs.

After winning American Idol, that season's lucky finalist has to sign a record deal with Hollywood Records. The deal is negotiated prior to winning the show.

Don't count your prize money until your record is complete. The winner receives $125,000, then another $125,000 after they finish recording their first record.

Once the show is over, the winner doesn't get much downtime. The next four months are typically spent completing their record.

The winning prize used to be $1 million and a record deal, however after the show was revamped, they lowered the amount.

Finishing in second place can mean up to $85,700 in prize money — and sometimes a record deal as well (with an extra $87,000 after you finish your record).