American Idol teen contestant’s parents ‘worried’ as Carrie Underwood and other judges push singer to ‘grow up too fast’

This comes amidst outcry from viewers that the age limit should be pushed up to 18 so the show’s filming schedule ‘doesn’t impact the teen’s school or overall upbringing’

Currently, American Idol strictly imposes an age limit where any contestant who appears on the show must be between the ages of 15 and 29 years old.

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American Idol’s Top 12 contestants from season 23 perform unforgettable songs inspired by iconic former Idol momentsCredit: Getty

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Idol’s season 23 judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke BryanCredit: Disney
During the first three seasons of Idol, the age limit was between 16 and 24 years old.

Many viewers have called for the age limit to increase to 18 so the show process, including being flown out to Los Angeles for months on end, doesn’t impact the younger contestants’ upbringing or school schedule.

However, season 23 has continued the tradition of bringing in younger talent, some of whom made it into this year’s top 12.

Mattie Pruitt, 15, Canaan James Hill, 17, John Foster, 18, and Slater Nalley, 18, have all impressed judges Carrie, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie as they advanced into the Top 12 of season 23 last month.

While the show offers a “tremendous opportunity” for the singing hopefuls to launch their career, some downsides include the younger contestants “growing up too fast,” according to their family members.

“Our kid has had the time of their life on this show but of course, we as parents can be worried,” a family member of one of the teen contestants, who wanted to maintain their privacy, told The U.S. Sun.

“The contestants are being thrown into this Hollywood lifestyle so suddenly. We’re from a different world.

“The show producers are incredibly supportive and so are the judges but sometimes as a parent it’s hard to hear the feedback they’re giving our child.

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Slater Nalley, 18, performs on American Idol during season 23Credit: Getty

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Canaan James Hill, 17, dazzles on stage as he made it into the Top 8Credit: Getty

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At just 15, Mattie Pruitt became a fan-favorite before her Top 7 eliminationCredit: Getty

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John Foster, 18, has remained a powerhouse vocalist on Idol all seasonCredit: Getty
“I don’t know how many times Carrie has said that the kids need to ‘be sassier’ on stage and Luke and Lionel have also said similar things. That’s our kid at the end of the day!

“What if they don’t want to be sassy? I know the judges have a lot of knowledge and talent but their way is not the only way to make it in this business,” they added

The concerned parent went on to explain: “I think they just want these young contestants to grow up too fast and that’s not a totally healthy way to get their foot in the door.

“So some of that, it does worry me sometimes as a parent. I think it would any parent.

“I wish they would be more open-minded that artists can evolve in all different forms but I’m not the famous singer here so maybe I have no clue what I’m talking about.”

For this current season of Idol, the eligibility requirements state: “You must be born on or between June 2, 1995 and February 15, 2010.

“If you were born before or after this window, you are not eligible to participate on this season.”

A MOMENT LIKE THIS

Kelly Clarkson, who is now 43, was just 20-years-old when she was crowned the winner of American Idol’s first season in 2002.

Jordin Sparks was still an Arizona high school student when she won Idol at just 17-years-old in 2008.

Scotty McCreery, who went on to have a successful country music career, was also just 17 when he won the show in season 10.

Other teenage winners include Fantasia Barrino when she was 19, Laine Hardy and Noah Thompson who were also 19, and season 21’s champ Iam Tongi, who was 18 when he competed.

Out of the handful of teenage contestants that made it through Hollywood Week into the live shows of season 23, only Slater Nalley remains, as he advanced into the Top 5 on Sunday’s Mother’s Day episode.

He will be joined by Thunderstorm Artis, John Foster, Jamal Roberts and the only remaining woman left in the competition, Breanna Nix.

On Monday night’s episode, the top 5 will honor their favorite Disney heroes and villains with two performances each.

Sadly, two more contestants will be eliminated – and only three will advance to the season 23 finale and sing for their chance of being crowned the American Idol champion.

American Idol’s three-hour season 23 finale airs on Sunday, May 18th at 8pm EST on ABC.

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Carrie Underwood delivers feedback from the judges’ table on American IdolCredit: American Idol

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Mentor Jellyroll sits with the Top 20 contestants on Idol’s Easter Sunday specialCredit: Getty

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Lionel Richie, Ryan Seacrest, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan judge American IdolCredit: Getty