Fox has published American Idol's tenth-season audition dates and announced that the age eligibility to audition for the upcoming 10th season of the singing competition would be lowered from 16 to 15 years old. The maximum age to audition remains 28.

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

American Idol's maximum eligibility age will remain 28 -- the same upper limit the show has used since its fourth season. (Prior to Idol's fourth season, age 26 had been the maximum age.)

American Idol's tenth-season auditions will kick-off in Nashville, TN on July 17 and continue in Milwaukee, WI on July 21; New Orleans, LA on July 26; East Rutherford, NJ on August 3; Austin, TX on August 11; and San Francisco, CA on August 19.

Besides meeting the competition's age requirements, applicants must also be eligible to work in the United States.

Last month, Fox announced American Idol will also make MySpace part of its tenth-season auditions process (MySpace is a division by News Corporation, Fox's parent company).

"As this is our tenth season, in celebration of this fact, we wanted to cast our talent net even further to make sure we discover the best talent ever," Idol creator and executive producer Simon Fuller said. "Involving MySpace means now -- for the first time -- artists can post their auditions online prior to attending our live auditions. We are hoping and expecting this to be the biggest ever talent search in our history."

Full details for American Idol's tenth-season audition locations are: