Auditions 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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