AI16 Eligibility Rule Change & Lower Age Eligibility Date

For the first time ever, no former contestants, whatsoever, are technically ineligible, based on prior rank, for the upcoming season.  Of course, by now, many are ineligible via age restrictions, as the age range remains 15-28.  Additionally, it is all but certain that no former finalists would be even considered and it is probably safe to assume that no former semi-finalist would be accepted, either.  Having said that, it is increasingly possible, theoretically.

Meanwhile, the lower age eligibility date is Tuesday, June 11th, 2002, the exact day that the very first episode aired, 15 years ago.  The day it all began...