DALLAS – Four local contestants seeking fame and fortune will audition Thursday in Dallas, Texas, for the upcoming reality show, “The X Factor.” Performing to a “sold out” crowd, 16 of the area’s finest amateur vocalists competed on May 9 at the MSU Riley Center during Meridian’s FOX 30 “X Factor” Audition Pass Contest.
The chosen four were guaranteed an audition in front of the show’s producers on May 26 at the Dallas Convention Center.
“The X Factor” is an exciting new competition series that will air on FOX this fall. The show’s creator, Simon Cowell, of “American Idol” fame, first introduced the show in the United Kingdom, where it became an instant hit. “The X Factor” is open to both solo singers and vocal groups and it allows for a broader age range for contestants than Cowell’s former home, “American Idol.”
Contestants will compete for a $5 million recording contract.
The top four winners at the MSU competition were: Track 45 (Jenna, Benjamin and KK Johnson), Chase Cooksey, Angela Fowler and Ashley Mercado.
“The judges had a difficult task in choosing the Top 4.” said Mike Reed, FOX 30’s station owner. “All 16 performances were winners in my book.”
The judges of the contest were Natalie, Nicole and Nika of Red Roots; Jackson, Mississippi hip-hop artist Kamikaze; and Nashville songwriter Jim McCormick.
Patrice Moncell opened the show with a breath-taking performance of the National Anthem followed by a special performance by the local Christian music group, the Red Roots.
FOX 30’s own, Angie Denney, was the emcee.
“Of course this could not have happened without our sponsors, the MSU Riley Center, our dedicated FOX 30 staff, and the community,” said Reed. “The MSU Riley Center was filled with people holding signs and cheering in support of their favorite contestants. And, as always, the community really stepped up and showed their hospitality.”
Local sponsors donated and presented prizes to the top 16 and the top four performers.
FOX 30 will be paying for travel and lodging for the Top 4’s trip to Dallas.
In a departure from other singing competition series’, the first time a contestant auditions for the judges on “The X Factor,” they will do so in front of an audience of thousands – raising the stakes and increasing the pressure to impress not only the judges, but also a potential legion of fans.
Organizers said this will be the ultimate test to prove that contestants have the vocal ability, charisma and stage presence that it takes to become an international superstar.
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