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'American Idol' audition information and schedule, 15 year-olds can try out

By April MacIntyre Jun 21, 2010, 17:19 GMT

06/07/2010 - Lee Dewyze - "Late Show with David Letterman" - June 7, 2010 - Ed Sullivan Theater - New York City, NY, USA © Janet Mayer / PR Photos

FOX reality juggernaut "American Idol" is lowering its eligibility age for Season 10 so that 15-year-olds will be able to audition for the first time.

The show caps contestants at age 28.

Auditions kick off in Nashville on July 17, followed by Milwaukee, New Orleans, East Rutherford, N.J.; Austin and San Francisco.

This year's winner 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.

"American Idol" changed their lives forever.

Auditions for the 10th season begin 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 an effort to continue to find the best undiscovered talent in the nation, 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 Idol in a press release sent out by FOX. “Lowering the age limit allows us to tap into this talent pool.”

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

Nashville AMERICAN IDOL Audition Information

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

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.