'Idol' Lowers Age To Find The Next Justin Bieber

As the young stars like Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber continue to enjoy massive success, American Idol producers announced Tuesday they will lower the show’s minimum age limit to 15. The show’s age limit was previously 16 to 28. “A lot of young, talented people are now seeking careers and representation before they turn 16,” Idol executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz said in a statement. “Lowering the age limit allows us to tap into this talent pool.”

Fox also recently announced Idol will begin accepting online auditions via MySpace. Perhaps the show is searching for the next Greyson Chance, the 12-year-old whose video version of Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi” went viral?

These announcements are the first of several changes for the upcoming season show, which is expected to name a new judge to replace Simon Cowell in the coming months. Cowell’s new show, X-Factor, will not have any age limits. Auditions for the next season of American Idol begin July 17 in Nashville. –ALEXA GREENBERG