Simon Cowell's X FACTOR Doubles Number of Audition Cities

Simon Cowell's upcoming reality competition The X Factor has doubled the number of its audition cities. In addition to the 6 open call auditions which are now ongoing, the Fox series is adding 6 more locations, Honolulu, HI, and Phoenix, AZ, Nashville, TN, Anchorage, AK, Kansas City, KS, and Denver, CO, where hopefuls can audio- and video-record their a cappella audition in high-definition mobile recording studios. "These studios were brought to my attention some months ago, and we think they are brilliant way to audition for those people who haven't been able to make it to the cities," Cowell said.

The X Factor is a television talent show originating in the United Kingdom, where it was devised as a replacement for Pop Idol. It is a singing competition, now held in various countries, which pits contestants against each other. These contestants are aspiring pop singers drawn from public auditions. The programs are produced by executive producer Simon Cowell and his company Syco TV. The "X Factor" of the title refers to the undefinable "something" that makes for star quality. The prize is usually a recording contract, in addition to the publicity that appearance in the later stages of the show itself generates, not only for the winner but also for other highly ranked contestants.

The X Factor is scheduled to premiere in September 2011 on the FOX Network.