'X Factor' auditions draw over 20,000 in Newark

Published Apr 14 2011, 19:49 BST  |  By Lara Martin

The X Factor USA auditions hit New Jersey today as thousands of aspiring solo singers and groups lined the streets outside the Prudential Centre in Newark.

A record-breaking crowd of more than 20,000 people queued around the block from as early as 2am this morning for their shot at auditioning on stage and coming one step closer to a $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music.

"We see a lot of great New Jersey swagger out there, and we are really excited about today," said executive producer Rob Wade. "The turnout is fantastic."




Among those queuing was 19-year-old Thatcher Illiff (below), who arrived with a sign reading: "Beyoncé wishes she could sing like me." The Newton, NJ resident added that performing is "in his blood", pointing out his mum is a former Miss USA, his dad is a two-time state wrestling champion, and his sister is a current wrestling champion.



Standing out from the crowd was 19-year-old Amber Taylor (below), who arrived with her bunny costume-clad aunt Julie Kochel. "If this doesn't grab their attention nothing will!" joked Julie. Birdsboro, PA resident Amber revealed she'd already had a brush with stardom by appearing in a Kid Rock video, adding: "I know I've got the talent to win The X Factor. I love singing and I've got the looks to get me through. There's nothing else I want to do in life. I'm determined to make it, whatever it takes."



Sarah Ross, 16, and Hailey Cullers, 16 (below top), revealed their crush on "sexy" judge Simon Cowell with their banner, while acting student Ginger O'Hara, 20 (below bottom), who was one of the first to start queuing, said: "I love Simon. I'm not scared of him. The Mr Nasty thing is all a big act. I bet he's a big softy, really."





Meanwhile, operations manager Sana Khan, 31, revealed that her confidence was knocked after suffering stage fright during an American Idol audition seven years ago, but she was determined to succeed today. "I may be over 29 but I still have the talent, and no guts, no glory - Simon Cowell started a new show and hopefully it won't take me another seven years to be here again."



Even Newark's mayor Cory Booker got swept up in the X Factor fever, tweeting earlier today: "Am I eligible to try out? Simon has never heard singing like mine Be4... My singing is X-tremely X-cruciating (sic)."

The huge turnout in Newark followed record-breaking auditions that have already taken place in Los Angeles and Miami, where Gloria Estefan made a surprise appearance to cheer on the crowds. Auditions continue at Key Arena, Seattle (April 20), Sears Centre Arena, Chicago (April 27) and Dallas Convention Centre, Dallas (May 26).

People who cannot make the open auditions can also submit their video performances through special audition recording booths in Honolulu, Phoenix, Nashville, Anchorage, Kansas City (April 15) and Denver (April 16). The booths will remain open until April 30. More information is available here.



It has already been confirmed that L.A. Reid will join Simon Cowell on the judging panel, with the remaining two judging spots still up for grabs. Among the rumoured contenders for the seats are British judge Cheryl Cole and Nicole Scherzinger, while Rihanna recently admitted that she would "love" to be involved but her upcoming tour schedule ruled that out.

The X Factor premieres on Fox later this year.