Seems like American Idol is moving in the wrong direction… it was announced today that Idol has lowered the age requirement to 15.

Previously, American Idol’s age minimum for contestants was 16, but executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz explains, “A lot of young, talented people are now seeking careers and representation before they turn 16. Lowering the age limit allows us to tap into this talent pool.”

Season 10 auditions kick off in these cities: Nashville on July 17, Milwaukee, New Orleans, East Rutherford, N.J., Austin and San Francisco.