X-Factor has returned as one of the biggest T.V. music competitions in the world and kicked off season 3 auditions in Los Angeles. On March 6, 2013 thousands of hopefuls lined the streets of L.A. at USC’s Galen Center to prove they have the X-Factor. People from all over Los Angles waited outside the Galen Center for their chance to audition in front of X-Factor producers. The day began early with some lining up at 6a.m. X-Factor staff and crew were onsite informing the crowd on the day’s festivities and pumping them up with great music. Media bustled around interviewing different men, women, boys and girls asking why they thought they had the X-Factor.
As everyone waited producers reminded the crowd that their audition could change the rest of their lives. Everyone was excited, dancing and singing as One Direction’s song played. One Direction was formed on the U.K. version of X-Factor. The boy band is now one of the biggest groups in the world and it all started from their auditions. Every person auditioning waited with patience as they practiced for a shot at their biggest dream.
LAsThePlace interviewed some auditioning for the show, to get insight into their X-Factor experience.
Stephanie Bayless, a 14 year old from Camp Pendleton had been waiting in line since 7 a.m. Stephanie was confident she had the X-Factor because she loved to perform and liked to put herself out there to reach her dreams. Since the first season of X-Factor she knew she had wanted to sing on stage. Instead of trying out for other music talent shows, Stephanie chose X-Factor because she felt it let everyone be themselves on stage and allowed everyone to present their own style.
Liz Garcia was also auditioning in hopes of become the winner of X-Factor Season 3. Liz felt she had the X-Factor because she was a Latina and felt there was room for a new Latina artist to bring some creative, unique and strong vocals to the competition. Singing Christina Aguilera’s “Tough Lover” from the movie “Burlesque,” she knew she could impress the producers. Some of Liz’s biggest inspirations are Christina Aguilera, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey and Katy Perry because of their strong and beautiful voices. In addition to singing Liz felt she had great stage presence because she had been dancing and acting on stage since she was little. Confident in herself, Liz certainly felt she had what it takes to win the X-Factor.
Makayla, who was auditioning for X-Factor a second time, was in line since 6 a.m. Makayla felt she also had great stage presence because of her vocal training and fearless personality. Singing Christina Aguilera’s song “Beautiful,” she confidently felt she had the X-Factor. Makayla thought the show was different from all other music competitions because it required more stage presence and having the X-Factor that is needed to stick out and entertain people. She felt that other shows focused mainly on vocals but knew you needed to have good stage presence as well in order to have a lasting career.
Andrew Ortiz felt he had the X-Factor because of his big dream and strong desire to go as far as possible in the competition. Andrew chose to sing “Ordinary People” by John Legend and had been practicing since 7 a.m. His dream was to win the show but he also wanted to get the experience of singing on stage in front of a large audience. Andrew felt it was time to share with other people the gift that God gave him.
X-Factor has without a doubt become an international phenomenon. Producing some of the biggest names in music entertainment, the show continues to grow in popularity. Auditions are being held around the country in search of finding music’s next superstar. The unique and exciting music competition can be seen on Fox T.V.
For more information on X-Factor please visit www.thexfactorusa.com.
