American Idol Lowers Audition Age To 15, Audition Cities Announced

Before AMERICAN IDOL, Lee DeWyze worked as a paint store clerk in Mt. Prospect, IL. Kris Allen was a college student from Conway, AR. David Cook tended bar in Blue Springs, MO. Chris Daughtry was a service advisor at a car dealership in Greensboro, NC. Carrie Underwood lived on a farm in Checotah, OK. Jennifer Hudson was a cruise ship performer from Chicago, IL. Kelly Clarkson was a waitress from Dallas, TX. One audition changed the rest of their lives.

Once again, aspiring singers will have the incredible opportunity to audition in cities across the country to become the next AMERICAN IDOL as the No. 1 show on television begins auditions for its milestone 10th season on Saturday, July 17 in Nashville, TN. The search for the next singing superstar will continue in Milwaukee, WI, on Wednesday, July 21; New Orleans, LA, on Monday, July 26; East Rutherford, NJ, on Tuesday, Aug. 3; Austin, TX, on Wednesday, Aug. 11; and San Francisco, CA, on Thursday, Aug. 19.

In celebration of the momentous 10th anniversary and in an effort to continue to find the best undiscovered talent in the nation, AMERICAN IDOL is expanding the eligibility age range for the first time ever to include hopefuls from 15 to 28 years old. (The previous minimum age requirement was 16.)

"A lot of young, talented people are now seeking careers and representation before they turn 16," said Cecile Frot-Coutaz, executive producer of AMERICAN IDOL. "Lowering the age limit allows us to tap into this talent pool."

AMERICAN IDOL auditions will be held as follows:

Cities Dates Venues

Nashville, TN Saturday, July 17 Bridgestone Arena

Milwaukee, WI Wednesday, July 21 Bradley Center

New Orleans, LA Monday, July 26 TBA

East Rutherford, NJ Tuesday, Aug. 3 IZOD Center

Austin, TX Wednesday, Aug. 11 Frank Erwin Center

San Francisco, CA Thursday, Aug. 19 AT&T Park

Full details regarding the Nashville auditions are below. Specific information on the subsequent audition cities will be announced shortly.

Nashville AMERICAN IDOL Audition Information

WHO: Men and women 15-28 years old as of July 17, 2010, who are eligible to work in the U.S. Some restrictions apply - please visit americanidol.com for specific information.

WHEN: Saturday, July 17, 2010

WHERE: Bridgestone Arena
501 Broadway
Nashville, TN

HOW: Wristbands will be distributed from approximately 7:00 AM on Thursday, July 15 until approximately 8:00 AM on Saturday, July 17. Auditioners will not be permitted to camp out. Once auditioners obtain their wristbands, they will be asked to return to Bridgestone Arena by 5:00 AM on Saturday, July 17.

Audition information, including forms and requirements, will be available online at americanidol.com. Visit americanidol.com for exclusive videos, interviews and photos from auditions, as well as special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news. For all photo requests, please go to foxflash.com.

AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America; and Ken Warwick, executive producer, FremantleMedia North America.

For more information visit www.americanidol.com

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