Arts & Entertainment
Early Birds Catch Chance to Audition for 'X Factor' (video)
A couple of Wildwood Middle School students were among the hundreds of hopeful singers who waited for hours on a cold, rainy morning for the chance to win a trip to Chicago to sing for the producers of Simon Cowell's new reality program, 'X Factor.'
Before Chesterfield Mall even opened April 16, a long line of people snaked around from the Cheesecake Factory, past the closed Borders book store and all the way down to the entrance of Sears.
They weren't waiting for a sale, though. Despite cold temperatures and wet weather, the crowds were attracted by a FOX 2 KTVI promotion that offered four talented vocalists the chance to audition in Chicago in front of the producers for Simon Cowell's new television talent show, The X Factor.
Once those waiting finally reached the front of the line, contestants were given the opportunity to perform an acappella selection for just 30 seconds before surrendering the microphone to the next performer.
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Among the participants were two students: Julia Fiore and Julianne Beffa.
Winners were chosen by FOX 2 anchor April Simpson, Y98 radio personality Guy Phillips, and singer-songwriter Erin Bode.
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Despite the efficient audition process and quick turnover, many hopeful performers were literally left out in the cold. A little after 11 a.m., FOX 2 representatives cut off the queue just outside of the mall doors. A few people were vocal in their frustration and disappointment. Having missed the chance to make an impression in St. Louis, their next best option was to make the trip to Chicago for the official tryouts on April 27.