For those of you who say the age limit to young, I totally disagree. Young people have the greatest potential, and they have lots of time to work on their voice. And, by the way, NONE of the youngest contestants got cut. That truly shows that "little kids" have AMAZNG talent. Maybe a little more thought should go into your accusations(for those people who says that the age limit should be raised).

I agree with SGT Marc A Scozzafava There is no reason why they can't up the age limit a little bit. I personally also think that there shouldn't be an age limit you can't determine talent based on age. I tried out for american idol a couple of years ago and they were turning down some really good singers. I could hear this one woman that sounded like aretha franklin from where I was sitting and they didnt even give her a second glance.

I hope the show doesn't become a popularity contest. The show should be based on talent, the vocals, and not how cute a teenager is. We'll c what happens

I disagree with lowering the age to 15. I've even thought 16 was too young. I'm sorry, I just can't usually get into the young kids. They're so green and wet behind the ears. So inexperienced. The recent season often made me feel like I was just watching a high school talent show. Plus they're having to do schoolwork on top of everything else during Idol and the parents have to chaperone them. Lowering the age will not guarantee that the tweens will vote for the youngest contestants, either. I remember when the Beatles first came on the scene. Let's see. I was eleven and they were in their early 20's. I was crazy for them, especially Paul. :) Good times.

"recent wins by wholesome, mainstream boys like Lee DeWyze, Kris Allen and David Cook over quirkier -- and arguably more talented -- performers like Adam Lambert and Crystal Bowersox are living proof."

Sorry I do not agree with your little comment here...David Cook is not quirky and is quite a bit more talented than either Adam Lambert or Crystal Bowersox. I love Crystal but we don't need another Janis Joplin. I don't want my music to put me to sleep. Adam is highly overrated particularly by people like you...the proof is in the pudding...David Cook's album went platinum in THREE MONTHS, Adam's either just barely went or is still not there and his album has been out for what 7 or 8 months? Adam will fade in time because he really belongs more on Broadway than recording with a major record label. He is to gimmicky, like Lady Gaga...if they were truly talented they wouldn't need all that other crap to draw an audience.

David can outsing, outperform, and outwrite these two with his hands tied behind his back and his mouth taped shut. He is currently working / recording his next album and I can't wait. I am sure it will be great as I expect nothing less from David considering all of his previous albums.

This is ridiculous. The only thing these kids sing are pop. Most used word- Baby. As we've all seen from Justin Bieber. Now that they lowered the age for American Idol, we'll have all these child singers from Disney come rolling in. It's sickening that these kids parents even let them get into this business, tons of make up, the way they dress, staying up hours into the night to hang with a bunch of adults to talk and sing. Alot of them drop out of school, at least in the movie business they do, not too sure about the music industry. Nobody wants to listen to a kid sing. We want to listen to real people sing good music, who actually have an education and had a life before entering the music industry. Robert P. Cant sing at all, but since he was in Twilight, he was made a singer. Oh God, what should ever happen if we don't make an actor a singer! It's depressing how low our music industry is going.

I really don't even care any more. In order for AI to be a mega hit again, it needs a major overhaul.

I'm just grabbing on to every inch of Adam Lambert and going on his wild ride to wherever it goes.

TPTB need to decide what this show is about. Is it about finding -- as Simon has said repeatedly -- a world-wide star (star being someone who sells cds and tour tickets)?

Is it about casting a reality show for the highest number of viewers who buy their sponsors' products (including texting services from AT&T)?

Or is it about both and how do you find that happy medium?

Or... is it, as some viewers believe, a lucky break for a so-called deserving kid, the underdog who otherwise wouldn't get anywhere? In other words, is the show merely a form of televised charity that allows us to feel good about our philanthropy without spending any money? Is that why the voting numbers do not translate into cd and tour ticket sales (ala Kris Allen)? Is it a junior high popularity contest in which a singer who can't hold a tune for 90 seconds but who seems humble and unassuming gets more votes than a better singer with bad teeth? (And please note I am not a fan of Crystal AT ALL, but at least she could hold a tune for 90 seconds.)

What has a SINGING competition come to, when they invite the likes of Miley Cyrus to be a mentor and award the prize to a singer who cannot hold a tune for 90 seconds? Answer: A joke.

I don't see a problem with the age of the contestants but rather the age of the songs! The judges keep telling the contestants that they are not being current but then look at the pool of songs they have to choose from. Beatles (they were broken up before most of the singers were born) Motown? Frank Sinatra week? Then what about the guest performers during the finale? Alice Cooper, Bee Gee's, Michael McDonald, Hall and Oats, Chicago, Joe Cocker and Janet Jackson, What is current about ANY of those performers? I honestly think that at this point American Idol has officially JUMPED THE SHARK!

I totally agree with the idea of raising the age limit. I'm sure there are lots of young people who are just over the current age limit or perhaps a few years over who are really talented and just need to be given a chance. I have to admit, some of the songs the youngsters sing today, I have no idea what they are. As for the voting, I think it should be left to the professionals. I know some people get many votes because of their looks and really talented people are voted off because they don't fit some people idea of being "cute".