β€œAmerican Idol” Season 10 Audtions Underway

"American Idol" may already be in its tenth year, but there's still no shortage of contestants lining up for their shot at stardom.

Its first day of audition registration in Nashville, Tenn., attracted more than 10,000 people, according to "Idol" host Ryan Seacrest.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Top 10 Best Selling 'American Idols'

"Hola Idol season 10 auds start tmrw in Nashville! Yesterday at day 1 of registration, we had over 10,000 people show up! (that's HUGE)," he Tweeted on Friday morning.

The singing competition, which has produced some of the music industry's biggest stars, including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and Chris Daughtry, has also expanded its eligibility age to include hopefuls from 15 to 28 year olds. It had previously only accepted participants 16 to 28 years old.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Former 'American Idols'

"A lot of young, talented people are now seeking careers and representation before they turn 16," said "Idol" executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. "Lowering the age limit allows us to tap into this talent pool."

"Idol" auditions will be held at the following venues this year:

Nashville, TN, Bridgestone Arena, Saturday, July 17

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Season 9 'Idols' On Access Hollywood

Milwaukee, WI, Bradley Center, Wednesday, July 21

New Orleans, LA, TBA, Monday, July 26

VIEW THE PHOTOS: 'American Idol' Season 9

East Rutherford, NJ, IZOD Center, Tuesday, Aug. 3

Austin, TX, Frank Erwin Center, Wednesday, Aug. 11

San Francisco, CA, AT&T Park, Thursday, Aug. 19

CLICK HERE for more information about "American Idol" and its auditions.

Copyright 2010 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:

PLAY IT NOW: Dish Of Salt: Crystal Bowersox & Lee DeWyze Are Staying Busy
PLAY IT NOW: Dish Of Salt: Will Aaron Kelly Take His Shirt Off For The 'Idol' Tour?

More from Access: [ American Idol Ryan Seacrest Auditions ]

Copyright NBCAH - Access Hollywood
Contact Us