American Idol Lowers Age Requirement to 15

And the children shall lead them. In an effort to goose sagging ratings and shrugged buzz, American Idol announced today that it would lower its minimum age requirement from 16 to 15. "A lot of young, talented people are now seeking careers and representation before they turn 16," said executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. Translation: Expect to see the Simon Cowell-less Idol do whatever it can next season to find the next viral youngster, even if it means forging a birth certificate for 12-year-old Greyson Chance. [USA Today]