Abby Brammell

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By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Tweet peek: Nigel Lythgoe tweeted a picture earlier today of new American Idol judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler with Randy Jackson and Ryan Seacrest


Excitement is mounting ahead of the start of season ten of American Idol, which starts in the U.S. July 12 on Fox.

To add to the anticipation, Executive Producer Nigel Lythgoe tweeted a picture earlier today of the new additions to the show hard at work.

Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez were pictured sitting at the famed American Idol judging table with existing judge Randy Jackson and show host Ryan Seacrest.

Both Seacrest and Jackson have been with the show since it's first episode broadcast in June 2002 and are the only remaining original cast members.

After months of speculation American Idol finally announced last week that Lopez and Tyler would be joining the show, replacing last season's judges, Simon Cowell, Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi.

With the departure of the show's star, acid-tongued Simon Cowell, producers are looking to up the ante in order to maintain their previously record breaking viewer figures.

In addition to the introduction of the two new A-list judges Idol are promising a slew of changes to the show's format in a way to rejuvenate and freshen up the format.


Changes: After months of speculation Idol finally announced last week that Lopez and Tyler will be joining the show as the new judges


Ratings gamble: Idol producers are banking on Tyler and Lopez to bring in the viewers following the departure of their star judge, Simon Cowell


They have reduced the minimum age requirement for contestants by a year, from sixteen to fifteen and for the first time they are allowing contestants to apply online by submitting their audition tapes via the internet.

Idol hopefuls can submit a 40 second audition tape via Myspace between September 15 - October 6 2010.

Cecile Frot-Coutaz, executive producer of American Idol explained their decision to lower the minimum age: 'A lot of young, talented people are now seeking careers and representation before they turn 16,' she said. 'Lowering the age limit allows us to tap into this talent pool.'

In addition, the show's producers announced that they are scrapping the celebrity guest mentors that have advised contestants in past years in favour of an in-house mentor, Jimmy Iovine, Chairman of the Interscope Geffen A & M records group.


Make me a star: Idol wanabees are still flocking in their legions to audition for season ten of the hit show


Despite the changes contestants are as eager as ever to vie for a chance to compete on the show.

Wannabe singers have been turning out in droves for the opportunity to perform in front of the judges, with auditions already completed in Nashville, New Orleans, Austin and San Francisco.

American Idol has come under criticism in the past, with claims that contestants are forced to sign contracts that are heavily weighted against their favour.

It's claimed that the contracts give excessive control of contestant's careers to 19 Entertainment, the record company that was founded by Simon Fuller, creator of the worldwide Idol franchise.



Out with the old: Ellen DeGeneres, Simon Cowell and Kara DioGuardi have all left the show, leaving just Randy Jackson and Ryan Seacrest to carry on the mantle


But there's no doubting that appearing on the show can give unknowns previously unheard levels of exposure, making or breaking careers and launching certain contestants to mega stardom.

And it's not just the show's winners that go on to find fame and fortune.
One of the biggest success stories of the show's history is Jennifer Hudson, who finished a meagre seventh place in season three, but went on to garner an Oscar for her performance in the 2008 smash hit, Dreamgirls.

Season one and season four winners, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood have both gone on to become mega successful recording and performing stars, along with Chris Daughtry, who finished fourth in season five.



source: dailymail

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