Record Crowds Come to Audition for 'The X Factor'

By Christo Varghese Posted Mar 28th 2011 04:00AM

Simon Cowell seems to have another hit show on his hands based on the record crowds that turned up to audition for 'The X Factor.'

The first 'X Factor' auditions took place on Sunday in Los Angeles, and the Daily Mail is reporting than an estimated 18,000-plus hopefuls turned out to the LA Memorial Sports Arena.

Freeways were jammed around the arena, and hundreds of contestants even camped overnight in order to get a good spot, according to reports.

A show insider is quoted saying, "The scenes down here are crazy. There are around 18,000 people here, and the numbers are growing by the second. There's gridlock on the freeways into the venue, it's absolute chaos. These auditions are going to be going on well into the night -- there are a lot of people to get through."

A large motivational factor could very well be the $5 million record deal with Sony that the winner of the show receives.

The money, plus that contestants can be as young as 12 years old, helped draw the large crowds. Contestants ranging in age from 12 to 87 years old reportedly showed up for the auditions.

Saturday's auditions were also the first round where hopefuls would perform in front of the producers of the show rather than the judges.

As of now, the entire line up of judges has not been revealed. So far, only Cowell and famed record producer Antonio 'L.A.' Reid have been confirmed as judges.

The next audition will be held in Miami on April 6.

'The X Factor' premieres this fall on FOX.

Tags: simon cowell, the x factor, X Factor

Comments

(3)

Monday 28 March

By victory

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There is something about Simon Cowell that I have always found attractive, extremely sharp, driven to succeed, yes, arrogant, yet basically good hearted. The new "X Factor" program should be quite a hit, w/ Simon at the wheel.

By Classy

I agree, Victory! I wish the X-Factor & it's contestants greatttttttt success!

By Richard Kopelle

My Therapy Buddy auditioned for the X Factor, but was turned down. We had written an original song called "The Underdog" which would have been a great theme for all the contestant who just wanted a chance to perform.

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