American Idol season 23 winner Jamal Roberts was one of the oldest in the show's history, with only two champions who were over his age when they won. When American Idol began in 2002, the age limits for auditioning contestants were 16 to 24. However, that has since changed, and now contestants must be between 15 and 29 years old. The show has lowered the age for the competitors a little bit and added a few more years on for those who still want to achieve their dreams.

American Idol winners and finalists ranged from teenagers to adults nearing 30. However, most of the winners were in their early to mid-20s. With American Idol having plenty of winners throughout its over two-decade history, and many more seasons apparently to come, there are always interesting things to consider when seeing how old some winners were, and how they ended up doing in the industry compared to their ages. Were the most successful winners younger or older when they took home the crown?

23 Taylor Hicks - 29

Season 5

American Idol season 5 winner Taylor Hicks was 29 years old when he won in May 2006, which makes him the oldest winner in American Idol history. He was born on October 7, 1976. Taylor turned 30 just a few months after winning the reality singing competition. His win was a huge shock for many fans, as most felt that runner-up Katharine Mhee would win it all. Other season 5 finalists who were more successful included Katharine, Chris Daughtry, and Kellie Pickler.

22 Nick Fradiani - 29

Season 14

Nick Fradiani won American Idol season 14 in May 2015. At the time, he was 29 years old. Nick was born on November 15, 1985, and turned 30 just six months after he was crowned the champion. Since winning on American Idol, he released his debut album, Hurricane, and then a second independently released album in 2022 called Past My Past. Nick also starred on Broadway as Neil Diamond in A Beautiful Noise.

21 Jamal Roberts - 27

Season 23

Jamal Roberts was 26 years old at the time of his audition, but he turned 27 before the season premiered in March 2025. He was born on November 6, 1997. Jamal won American Idol season 23, making him the first Black man to win the competition since Ruben Studdard in season 2 in 2003. Jamal is the father of three daughters, Harmoni, Lyrik, and Gianna, who was born on the day of his Top 8 performance. After his win, Jamal's first single, "Heal," debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot Gospel songs chart.

20 Trent Harmon - 25

Season 15

In April 2016, American Idol season 15 winner Trent Harmon was 25 years old when he won the competition. He has the distinction of being crowned the winner of the show's final season on FOX. Trent was born on October 8, 1990. However, Harmon only released one album after winning the show, You Got 'Em All, in 2018.

19 David Cook - 25

Season 7

David Cook won American Idol season 7 in May 2008. He was 25 years old at the time. David's date of birth is December 20, 1982. This season was one of the best in American Idol history, as the voting totals were the highest ever at the time, with over 97 million votes for the finale, where David defeated teenager David Archuleta and won by about 12 million votes.

18 Chayce Beckham - 24

Season 19

In 2021, Chayce Beckham was crowned the American Idol season 19 winner, and he was 24 at the time. Chayce's date of birth is July 16, 1996. Since his win, Chayce has only released one album, but it came out in 2024 and was titled Bad for Me, so there's time for more.

17 Ruben Studdard - 24

Season 2

American Idol season 2 winner Ruben Studdard won the competition in May 2003. He was 24 years old and was born on September 12, 1978. Ruben was in a tough competition and won a tight victory over runner-up Clay Aiken. This was a huge season as well, as Ruben and Clay have remained friends and have even gone on tour together after their competition on American Idol. They most recently competed as Beets during The Masked Singer season 11.

16 Lee DeWyze - 24

Season 9

Lee DeWyze won American Idol season 9 in May 2010. His victory came about two months after he turned 24. Lee's date of birth is April 2, 1986. Lee has released nine albums in his career, with two of them charting on the Billboard 200 charts.

15 Kris Allen - 23

Season 8

When Kris Allen won American Idol season 8 in May 2009, he was 23 years old. He turned 24 a month later. Kris was born on June 21, 1985. Kris has had a relatively successful career after Idol, releasing seven albums, with three hitting the Billboard 200 charts and one other hitting the U.S. Indies charts.

14 Candice Glover - 23

Season 12

Candice Glover was crowned the victor of American Idol season 12 in May 2013. She was 23 years old and her date of birth is November 22, 1989. Even though she was 23 when she won, it was actually her third time to live audition for the show before she got a chance. Candice only released one album after she won on Idol​​​​​​.