‘X Factor’ looking for music acts, singers that can ‘pop’ on television

Do you think you sound better than Lady Gaga? Or that your band is more entertaining than LMFAO?

Now's your chance to prove it. Fox network's "X Factor" will begin hosting auditions Wednesday at Planet Hollywood Resort.

Producers are looking for people with talent and a personality. They are not looking for fools dressed in chicken suits. If you audition, just stand out and don't be an idiot, executive producer Rob Wade says.

"We'll be looking for people with great voices and personalities," Wade says.

"The X Factor" made its American debut in September. If you're not familiar with it, think "American Idol" where contestants audition for a spot on the television show. Those who make it perform in front of a panel of judges, including "American Idol" alum Simon Cowell. Season two's winner will receive a $5 million recording contract with Sony Music.

Wade expects thousands of people to audition nationwide. Las Vegas was chosen as an audition city because of its population of local entertainers and the variety of people who visit.

The local auditions will be recorded in a MyStudio recording studio booth then uploaded in digital format for producers to view later. But don't think that's a disadvantage to a live audition, Wade says. The video performances will give producers a better idea of a person's on-screen appeal.

"We're trying to see if people 'pop,' " Wade says. "If someone stands out on a screen ... it means they'll 'pop' on a TV screen. It's really useful to audition like this, I think."

When you walk into the booth, you will be asked to talk a bit about yourself and then sing for one minute. You should prepare a verse and chorus from any song and plan to sing it a cappella, Wade says.

The MyStudio booth will be on site at Planet Hollywood through April 15. Hours will run from 10 a.m. to midnight Sundays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Auditions are open to anyone 12 and older. Producers are looking for solo performers or vocal groups from any musical genre, including pop, rock, country and hip-hop. Think the Black Eyed Peas, 'N Sync, One Direction and other similar groups.

For dates and times or to sign up for an audition, visit thexfactorusa.com.

Contact reporter Sonya Padgett at spadgett@reviewjournal.com
or 702-380-4564. Follow @StripSonya on Twitter.