X Factor 2011 is officially underway for the new US installment. Auditions kicked off today in Los Angeles as the first of six currently planned events around the country.

Entertainment Weekly estimated there were around 15,000 X Factor Hopefuls, but we’ll have to see if FOX comes up with a higher official count or not on that one.

From an elevated platform, a spirited emcee warmed up the crowd, which arrived at 6 a.m. under drizzling skies. It was the first day of auditions, and the announcer exhorted contestants to have winning personalities, not just vocal talent, if they want to become the next Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga or Black Eyed Peas. The mass of aspiring pop stars waved “Simon, pick me!” posters and joined in sing-alongs of numbers like Teenage Dream and Forget You.

Similar to Idol, this preliminary round is a cattle call in which contestants perform in front of a small group of producers. If the contestants are impressive enough, they’ll return later in the week to sing for the show’s judges: Cowell, L.A. Reid (a record exec who’s worked with the likes of Mariah Carey, Pink, Usher and Kanye West) and two others who have yet to be named publicly.

I’m sure there will be a lot in the X Factor experience that will be similar to Idol considering this show flows fro Simon Cowell’s experiences, but as long as it has its own unique twists I think we’ll be alright.

Source: Entertainment Weekly


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