Nashville Sees Huge Turnout For ‘Idol’ Auditions

First Published: July 15, 2010 4:03 PM EDT Credit: AP

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Caption Simon Cowell arrives for his final night on ‘American Idol’ at the season nine finale on May 26, 2010 in Los AngelesAuditions for the 10th season of “American Idol” are kicking off in Nashville as wannabe contestants prepare for a show without judge Simon Cowell.

People began lining up for wristbands outside early Thursday morning. By 9 AM, supervising producer Patrick Lynn estimated there were upward of 10,000 people waiting in the nearly 90-degree heat.

Contestants are mixed on Cowell’s departure. Some are relieved they won’t have to face him; others wish they could get his critique.

Wristbands will be handed out Thursday and Friday, with auditions beginning Saturday.

There’s another difference this year — the minimum age for contestants has been lowered to 15 from 16. Lynn says the success of tween sensation Justin Bieber is part of the reason.

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