THE X FACTOR Runner-Ups Likely to Receive Sony Recording Contracts

In a recent interview with the Hollywoodreporter.com, judge Simon Cowell revealed that X FACTOR contestants Astro, Josh Krajcik and Chris Rene may be receiving Sony Music record deals in addition to the season winner Melanie Amaro. As winner of Season 1 of the Fox singing competition, Amaro was guarenteed a $5 million recording contract with Sony.

In the interview, Cowell shares that runner-up contestant Josh Krajcik, third-placed contestant Chris Rene and Top 12 finalist Brian 'Astro' Bradley will most likely be signed to the label as well. Astro left the competition in 7th place.

Explained Cowell, "Anyone we're genuinely not interested in, they'll be let go. There is a lot of interest in a lot of the artists. We can't sign everyone, but there's going to be quite a few that are going to get deals. You're not going to let Astro go. You're not going to let Chris [Rene] go [or] let Josh go. We'd be mad. But she [Melanie Amaro] is the priority."

Online auditions for the second season of THE X FACTOR are currently underway. Through Dec. 31, 2011 at 11:59 PM PT, solo artists and vocal groups 12 years old and over have the opportunity to submit their two-minute a cappella audition videos to www.TheXFactorUSA.com.

In addition to online auditions, aspiring performers will soon be able to participate in open call auditions held in various cities (to be announced) across the country. Also, MyStudio Booths will once again be available for hopefuls to record and submit their auditions, just as THE X FACTOR finalist Drew Ryniewicz did for Season One. Auditioners should continue to check www.TheXFactorUSA.com for full terms, conditions and eligibility, as well as for more information about audition cities and dates.