The Ex Factor

Mar 4, 2011 | Welcome Column

Okay, for starters let me acknowledge that, despite the fact that it’s the first Thursday of the month and everyone is primed for reading another thoughtful and layered essay by Nancy Zuniga, it’s just not going to happen. Nancy and Henry have been called out of town and she’s asked me to fill in. Not having a whole lot of time what with making picture frames, I’ll share some information that I just received a few minutes ago.

I received a call from a woman named Maggie Brockmann who identified herself as Associate Producer of the X Factor, a new talent show on FOX. (To hear about the show, which stars Simon Crawl, you can view a YouTube clip at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfgB67ZbChc&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1.) Anyways, Maggie explained that auditions for the new show will be taking place around the country starting this month and she asked if the CBA could help get the word out. I said, sure, I didn’t see why not, and she responded with information, which I’ve pasted below, along with a note saying in part, “and I hope that our 1st winner comes out of the California Bluegrass Association!” Wouldn’t THAT be interesting?

Okay, now for the most important part of today’s Welcome column….no, the California Bluegrass Association DOES NOT endorse the new Fox TV show nor does it encourage people to take part in auditions. Honest.

The X Factor

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for solo singers, girl groups, duos, boy bands or vocal groups. Maybe you and your friends have always wanted to form a group? Now is your time!
The competition is open to everyone that is 12 years old (as of March 1, 2011) and above, with no age cap.

Any type of music works – pop, rock, rap, country, R&B, alternative, hip-hop… you name it!

Where are we going?

This could be your first step to competing for the chance to win a $5 Million dollar recording contract with Sony Music. We are only going to six cities, so make your plans now!

Los Angeles: Sunday March 27th – L.A Sports Arena (Registration – March 26th)
Miami: Thursday April 7th – Bank United Center (Registration – April 6th)
NYC / New Jersey: Thursday April 14th – The Prudential Center Seattle: Wednesday April 20th – Key Arena (Registration – April 19th)
Chicago: Wednesday April 27th – Sears Centre (Registration – April 26th)
Dallas: TBA – TBA (Registration TBA)

How does it work ???

Registration

You MUST register and pick up your wristband the day prior to the audition. The registration is simple – you can stop by anytime within 24 hours prior to the audition day – starting at 6am. If you plan on bringing family and friends to your audition, they must register as well.
Everyone will be required to present a government issued photo ID in order to attend the audition; that includes friends and family. (ie: Drivers license, Passport, State ID, Military ID, Student ID)

Eligibility:

You must be a US citizen, or eligible to work freely in the US, and not currently under a recording contract.

Anyone younger than 18, that will be attending the auditions (auditioning or not) must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Minors or those without a driver’s license, who are auditioning or supporters of those auditioning, may use a school ID or acceptable substitute (such as a yearbook page that includes a printed name with photo AND a birth certificate matching the name).

If the minor is too young to have any form of photo ID, then that minor’s parent or guardian should present a photo ID and the child’s birth certificate that includes the parent’s name with the child’s name on the certificate.

Audition

On the day of the audition, you need to arrive at the venue before 8am. Please prepare a verse and a chorus of 3 songs without tracks or instruments. Pick your song choice wisely as it should represent you as an artist. Whether you are a soloist or a vocal group, remember this is your time to shine, so make sure that you are well rehearsed and dressed to impress!

There will be a long wait so prepare for the day with suitable snacks, drinks and dress appropriately for the weather. For more information, please visit our website at www.fox.com/thexfactor; Toll free information line: 855 345 5678.

If successful, you will need to be available the next day.

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