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'American Idol' auditions: 15-year-olds eligible for first time ever, cities announced
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"American Idol" will begin holding auditions for its landmark 10th season on July 17 in Nashville, Tenn., and for the first time 15-year-old hopefuls will be eligible to compete. The age range for contestants has been expanded to include singers from age 15 to age 28. The move seems appropriate, especially since some of today's biggest pop stars, like Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber, began their careers before they were old enough to drive.
"A lot of young, talented people are now seeking careers and representation before they turn 16," says Cecile Frot-Coutaz, executive producer. "Lowering the age limit allows us to tap into this talent pool."
Host Ryan Seacrest teased the announcement on June 20th on his official Twitter, writing, "Just got audition cities for @americanidol 10: Nashville, Milwaukee, New Orleans, E. Rutherford, Austin & S.F. Tmrw announcing a big change!"
If you can't make it to the first audition call in Nashville, you're in luck. As always, the producers and judges (whoever they may be) will be touring the country to find the brightest new talent. Find the audition city nearest you below. Just don't forget to finish your geometry homework and take out the trash before you go stand in line, kids.
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
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Photo: FOX
Follow Zap2it and @cadlymack on Twitter and Zap2it on Facebook for the latest TV, movie and celebrity news.
Photo: FOX
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After Kris Allen's win and the loss of Paula I gave Idol one more chance. Then Lee won and I decided that I was out for good. Apparently I made the right decision because lowering the audition age to 15 will be the final nail in Idol's coffin. What a horrible idea.
I think it would be smart to lower the age since they have been losing adult viewers for several years now. Simons X-Factor will be coming soon, and won't that be for all ages? So AI should cater to the younger set, maybe 15-18 max age. Those are the ones that also seem to do most of the voting now too, so just evolve it all into American Teen Idol. Whoever wins would probably sell a lot more CDs too.
horrible idea. It's already clear to me that the younger ones don't know who they are yet, don't know what kind of artist they want to be and frankly are not ready for that kind of media attention. I think they should raise min age to 18 to force some maturity.
Worst idea for this show. I agree with RS, these kids are too naive to even know what they want in life, much less what kind of music they like. Not only that, they should encourage these kids to stay in school. Waiting 3 more years is not gonna hurt them. Plus, their voices change dramatically at those ages. All these little whiney girls think people are gonna take them serious at 15? ha, I like mature artists that know a thing or two about the business and can write their own music, not wanna be teenagers that think life is over if they lose out in a singing competition.
You know what I think? I'm fifteen and I think it's a GREAT idea. Sure there are teens that don't know who they really are yet but when they go on the show they'll fail because of that. And the ones that truly know who they are and are totally serious about what they want to with their talent will go far. And besides I think it's HIGHLY unlikely a fifteen year old will win anyway.
You can't just assume that because an artist is young that they don't know who they are. You say you like mature artists who write their own songs...have you realized that some of the highest paid songwriters in the world are teenagers? It's because teenagers have emotion and write about what they feel. Perhaps it's not these kids who need to "mature"?
has anyone ever heard of Taylor Swift?
I must say i think it is a wonderful idea! This has Been my dream ever since i was little to be on Amreican Idol! And just because we are young doesn't mean we don't know what we want or That were not mature. There's some people that are in there 30's and they still act like teens! But i must say if my mom lets me i will be there to audition on August 11th!(:
I think it's an OK idea, but I think that 15 yr olds should be a little more cautious of their song choices... Ur voices haven't finished changing and it will probably take a short while to do so. I would encourage you not to audition, but it's Ur choice, not mine. I am Hoping to audition in Nashville... See Ya there :)
Hello, I think that it's great that American Idol is giving the 15 year olds an opportunity. Teens start at the age of 13. I am a 13 year old mulit-talented R&B singer that knows what I want and I take my career very seriously. I want a chance to be able to show my talents to the world. You had artist like Monica and Brandy at the age of 13 that had hit songs. I would like the opportunity as well.
I think its an awesome idea! I am 15 years old, and trying out for American Idol has been my dream since I was 6 years old. Every year I sat there counting down until I could audition, and now that the age was expanded I no longer have to wait! Milwaukee, Wisconsin here I come !:D