Wanna-be Idols have something to celebrate next month as auditions for Season 10 of “Amercian Idol” starts on July 17. “American Idol” has lowered the age eligibility to audition from 16 to 15 years old, while the maximum age still remains at 28.
The age was lowered due to the fact that "a lot of young, talented people are now seeking careers and representation before they turn 16," according to "American Idol" executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. "Lowering the age limit allows us to tap into this talent pool."
According to some critics, this is so because “Idol” has been going for contestants that have an older target audience. So, the singing contest is making an effort to reach out to the tween and teenage audience and maybe find the next, say, Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus or Greyson Chance. This is also to say that this can make the show a bit more dramatic, as talented youngsters might not be ready for the stress that “Idol” offers to contestants, compared to the previous older contestants. This can add a little spice to singing contest and garner a more higher ratings.
For now, we will have to see if this will work and hopefully make 15-year olds realize that joining “American Idol” is not a walk in the park.