Auditions for the second season of the singing competition The X Factor are underway in Meridian, and Fox 30 has joined in the search for the next global superstar.

    They will be awarding three talented solo singers and one duo or group, a guaranteed audition with The X Factor’s producers during the Greensboro, N.C. auditions.

    According to FOX 30 Station Owner Mike Reed, “Last season, our sister station, FOX 30-Meridian, sent Track 45 and three others with an audition pass to Dallas. Track 45 made it all the way to the X Factor’s Boot Camp. They told us they could not imagine going to the open auditions without our Audition Pass.  They were given VIP treatment and walked past thousands of people standing in line with only a hope and a prayer of getting in to see a producer.

    “We want to see our local talent succeed, and this is one way we can help make their dreams come true,” Reed said. “We have a simple local audition process, but if anyone needs help or information, please do not hesitate to contact us.” 

    Fox 30 may be reached at (601) 485-3030, or by email at xfactoraudition@whpmtv.com.  Please indicate you are inquiring about the FOX 23 X Factor Audition Pass Contest.

    To audition, interested solo artists and vocal groups need to submit an audition video or audio recording as soon as possible. The audition video or audio recording must be emailed to: xfactoraudition@wgbctv.com no later than noon, April 6, 2012.  They may also hand deliver or postal mail their audition video or audio recording to the FOX 30 Television Studio located at 1151 Crestview Circle, Meridian, MS  39301, Attn:  X Factor Audition.

    Next, of the audition videos and audio recordings received, FOX 30 and their designees will choose the Top 16 to perform at the MSU Riley Center at 6:30 p.m. on April 19, 2012. The Top 16 will compete for the top four spots in front of a panel of professional judges and a live audience. 

    “We will be announcing the judges at a later date,” stated Reed, “but we are anticipating another amazing panel. Last year, singer/songwriter, Jim McCormick came down from Nashville to help choose the top four winners. He was joined by recording artists Red Roots and Kamikaze.”

    Four winners – one from each category: Male, Female, Older Adults, and Duo/Group – will be chosen to win an Audition Pass to The X Factor auditions in Greensboro, N.C. to be held on May 1, 2012. In addition, FOX 30 will be paying their way to the competition.

    “That’s a one in four chance of winning an Audition Pass,” said Reed. “There are thousands of hopefuls trying to get an audition with the producers at each of the audition sites, and with only four audition venues across the country scheduled, the FOX 30 Local Audition Pass gives them a leg up because it guarantees that no matter how many people arrive to tryout, the ones with the Audition Pass will audition in front of an X Factor producer. From there, well, that is completely up to them.  And with a $5 million recording contract at stake, the competition is sure to bring out the best of the best.”