Subject: My Experience with American Idol's Age Discrimination

To whom it may concern,
I'm Jason Powell, a substitute teacher/ vocalist, actor.
I take what I do seriously. A few months ago, during the summer of Aug, '06 I felt compelled to finally do something I've been wanting to do, but rules restricted me. The rule was an age limit & the event was American Idol. I am 36 yrs old & the age limit to compete is 28. I allowed this Age Discrimination to keep me from auditioning, sitting on the couch, watching countless others make their dreams come true. I couldn't take it anymore & registered for an audition. I joined thousands of other Los Angelians at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena to register. After hrs of waiting in line, I came upon the registration table where proof of US. citizenship and a valid ID(proof of Age) were required. I provided my ID which revealed my actual age, and they initially refused to allow me a chance to audition, saying "the producers will eventually cut you from the competition because of your age". Regardless of this, I still requested a chance to let the producers & Randy, Simon & Paula decide weather or not to cut me. After a while, they allowed me to audition 2 days later. So, I returned to the Rose Bowl to audition in the stadium. To make a long story short, I was passed through despite my age; but for my talent. After passing the preliminary cattle call, I was asked to come back in Sept. to audition again at the Biltmore Hotel. This next audition, for me, would mean 2 auditions in 1 day. 1st, they had me audition for 3 producers, & they passed me then I auditioned for Nigel Lithgoe-One of the producers of American Idol and also is 1 of 3 judges of "So you think you can dance" show.

After singing the Temptations' "Cloud Nine" and Bobby Darren's "Mack the Knife', Nigel said he was impressed & couldn't believe that my renditions of those songs were original, cause he liked it so much. But then the age issue came up & he said he couldn't let me audition for Randy Simon & Paula. He even told me that had I "lied about my age & said I was younger, I would've got in on talent alone." I told him that I don't live my life as a lier. I know my talent & spirit should speak for itself. After pleading my case RE: age discrimination, he said he "didn't want to debate about it any more." I thanked them for the opportunity & left.

Then 4 1/2 mos later, once the new Season began they aired the LA Auditions & I appear on TV. (1/31/06) But they didn't dare show me sing, but a quick clip of me saying "...if there was some way we could work this out..., aluding to me begging for another chance because they supposedly turned me down for singing-which never happened. I was asking if there was some way to let me at least audition for Randy, Simon, Paula & let them decide. But they edited in such a way, where it appeared that I was standing in front of Paula, Randy, Simon, and guest host Olivia Newton John-when I have never seen nor spoken to any of them in my life, because Nigel Lithgoe refused to pass me through to sing for them.

They show Olivia Newton John crossing her eyes at what appears to be me & Paula mockingly gasping. I do realize that I signed a release stating they could use my image any way they saw fit, & by doing so, I've relinquished all rights. But it's still a defamation of character, & maybe I can't sue because of cost, the power of that show & the fact I signed the release. But I feel it is still my duty to address American Idol and express to you that sentiment, because of this experience, is that "this is not fair and it seems that the show is all about manipulation, fabrication, and ridiculing at any cost for money, ratings & cheap laughs. People who know me, knows I'm an amazing singer/performer & they've expressed their resentment of the show in depicting me in such a false, negative manner. I just would like to set the record straight as far as letting the public know the real reason I was cut from the audition-AGE DISCRIMINATION. Not a lack of talent as they aluded to on the show. Watching this, one can form a prejudiced opinion of me that could very well cost me a job, opportunity, & most important my reputation. Allow me to just sing as I did that day of the audition and let my talent speak for itself or at least show the actual full length taped portion of what I did to the American public, showing how I sang my butt off to Nigel--Not RANDY, PAULA, SIMON; because I believe if those three had heard me in real life, then they probably would have "worked somethin' out" with this Age Discrimination deal and just passed me through. I'm happily married and we have a beautiful 19 month old baby girl. My wife & daughter believes in me & support me in this endeavor to have my voice be heard.
Last year I lost my Grandfather who spent his life working hard and instilling in me the will to keep fighting no matter the obstacles. That ethic still resounds in me and everything I do. I was always honest with the producers of American Idol and never told them that my Grandfather had just passed right before the auditions because I didn't want to exploit his memory in any way, but I do want to keep his legacy alive. So please, if there was some way to let my talent be heard, I would appreciate it. Thank you for your time,
Jason Powell
323-377-5317

Jillian looked like a ghost on 2/10/07. I thought it was halloween again. It scared me.

Apparently, her name's Michelle something.

who is the blond on the show tonight Sunday the 4th
it is not Laura Sanchez the other is Jillian WHO IS THE BLOND she is great

I want to thank the producers and stars of your show.
Thanks to you I no longer need sleeping pills.
All I need to do is tune in your show. The conversation between the hosts is stilted, and just plain boring. You lend a new definition to the phrase
(pregnant pause.)