THE $5 MILLION AUDITIONS - "THE X FACTOR" UNVEILS AUDITION DATES AND VENUES

THE SEARCH FOR A GLOBAL SUPERSTAR BEGINS SUNDAY, MARCH 27 IN LOS ANGELES AT THE L.A. SPORTS ARENA

MIAMI, NEW JERSEY, SEATTLE, CHICAGO AND DALLAS WILL ALSO HOST AUDITIONS THIS SPRING

SIGN UP NOW FOR AUDITION INFORMATION AT WWW.FOX.COM/THEXFACTOR

Auditions for the highly anticipated singing competition THE X FACTOR are set to begin on Sunday, March 27 in Los Angeles at the L.A. Sports Arena. The search for the next global superstar will continue in Miami, FL, on Thursday, April 7; Newark, NJ, on Thursday, April 14; Seattle, WA, on Wednesday, April 20; Chicago, IL, on Wednesday, April 27; and Dallas, TX (date to be announced).

Interested solo artists and vocal groups should sign up now for audition information at www.fox.com/theXfactor.

The exciting new competition series is looking for talent young and old alike - with no upper age limit. THE X FACTOR judges will travel the nation searching for undiscovered talent 12 years old or over - both solo artists and vocal groups - who are willing to brave the panel for a chance to make their dreams come true.

In a departure from other singing competition series, the first time a contestant auditions for the judges, he/she will do so in front of an audience of thousands - raising the stakes and increasing the pressure to impress not only the judges, but also a potential legion of fans. This will be the ultimate test to prove they have the vocal ability, charisma and stage presence that it takes to become a global superstar and win an unprecedented $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music.

THE X FACTOR audition cities, dates and venue information are as follows:

CITY DATE VENUE

Los Angeles, CA Sunday, March 27 L.A. Sports Arena

Miami, FL Thursday, April 7 Bank United Center

Newark, NJ Thursday, April 14 Prudential Center

Seattle, WA Wednesday, April 20 Key Arena

Chicago, IL Wednesday, April 27 Sears Centre Arena

Dallas, TX TBA TBA

Wristbands must be obtained from the venue the day prior to auditions. Additional audition details, including eligibility requirements, are available at www.fox.com/theXfactor. Hopefuls should check back regularly for updated information, rules and registration forms.

Full details regarding the Los Angeles auditions can be found below. Specific information on the subsequent audition cities will be announced shortly.

THE X FACTOR Audition Information: Los Angeles

WHO: Singers and vocal groups 12 years of age or older as of March 1, 2011, who are legal U.S. citizens or eligible to work in the U.S. and do not currently have a music recording contract. Some restrictions apply; please visit www.fox.com/theXfactor for specific information.

WHEN: Sunday, March 27, 2011

WHERE: The L.A. Sports Arena 3939 South Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90037

HOW: Wristbands will be distributed from approximately 6:00 AM on Saturday, March 26 until approximately 6:00 AM on Sunday, March 27. Auditioners will not be permitted to camp out. Once auditioners obtain their wristbands, they will be asked to return to the L.A. Sports Arena by 8:00 AM on Sunday, March 27. Please bring legal photo identification. Any auditioner under 18 years old must be accompanied by his/her parent or legal guardian.

As previously announced, Pepsi will serve as an official sponsor of THE X FACTOR. The comprehensive sponsorship includes an extensive, multi-platform off-air marketing partnership; weekly in-show integrations and placements; and an immersive content experience online.

THE X FACTOR is produced by Syco Television and FremantleMedia North America. Simon Cowell, Rob Wade and Siobhan Greene are executive producers for Syco Television. Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Richard Holloway and Andrew Llinares serve as executive producers for FremantleMedia North America.