American Idol announces it will lower it's eligibility age to 15, reports USA Today.

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

The show’s age limit was previously 16 to 28.

FOX also recently announced Idol will begin accepting online auditions via MySpace.

Auditions for the next season of American Idol begin July 17 in Nashville.