For the upcoming 10th season of American Idol — also known as “the season with no Simon” — the show has decided to lower the age limit for eligibility from 16 to 15. According to USA Today, Idol was inspired to take this step by the success of Justin Bieber and his ilk.
American Idol‘s producers also recently announced their intention to accept submissions from Fox-owned MySpace (am I the only one surprised to hear that MySpace is still around?). The show still has a new judge to find, to fill Simon’s very big shoes.
Put all this stuff together and it looks like the show’s producers are strategizing new ways of generating excitement for Season 10. Which is probably a good idea, since Season 10 is probably going to be a snoozefest. Let’s face it: if ever there was drama to be found on Idol, it came from Simon. Now that he’s gone, some viewers are expected to lose interest.
So the show is fighting back with teeny-bopper singers and the hopes of creating viral sensations through MySpace. What do you think: will it work?