Rain doesn't scare 'X Factor' hopefuls

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - A wall of umbrellas wrapped around the Dunkin’ Donuts center Wednesday morning, as thousands of people formed a line to register for FOX"s hit singing competition show, The X Factor.

Some folks lined up at 9:30 Tuesday night.

Twelve year old Christina Lucci from Bourne, Massachusetts, didn’t mind standing in the rain waiting to register for an audition because she “loves to sing and I want to show the world what I’ve got.”

• Related: Audition tips from Simon Cowell
• Register: Local X Factor Auditions

Providence residents, Dominique and Tess, are thrilled The X Factor is making its last audition stop in Rhode Island’s capital city.

“Nobody ever, ever comes here. No American Idol. This is my dream. I want to pursue my dream,” said Dominique.

Providence is the only city in New England where auditions are being held for its second season.

Having X Factor in the capital city is a big undertaking for Providence, but Larry Lepore, the general manager of the Dunkin' Donuts Center said, they couldn't be more excited.

"It's a great event, I think it's really going to show the whole country what Providence has to offer."

After registration Wednesday, people will return to the Dunkin' Donuts Center Thursday and line up again as they wait for producers to start the audition process.

"They'll be taking them down in groups on to the floor. There'll be 40 individual booths with producers, and everybody get's 30 seconds to prove themselves," explained Lepore.

• Related: Details on X Factor registration process

7,500 people pre-registered for the Providence auditions. One of the producers for The X Factor said the largest audition so far was held in Greensboro, South Carolina, where about 7,000 people attended.

More than 2,000 people were lined up early Wednesday waiting for registration to open at 6 a.m. But the doors actually opened more than two hours later at 8:15 a.m.

People traveled a long distance to make their way to Providence for the auditions.

“I’m gonna sing and just be myself. I have rainbow hair, so maybe that will help a little bit,” said Allie from Orlando, Florida.

And hopefuls didn’t just come from the south, a man from upstate New York also made the trek to Rhode Island.

“I’m looking forward to the competition, I’m coming for you Simon! I’m coming,” joked CJ from Buffalo, New York.

The X Factor crew has been in Providence getting ready for this big event for days. Producer Ben Thursby has high hopes for the capital city, saying the energy and turnout have been great.

• Related: The X Factor comes to Providence

Auditions are open to anyone 12 years and older. Groups are also welcome this year.

"It's about charisma, star power, personality and confidence and will power," said Ben Thursby, producer of The X Factor.

Thursby has some advice for those auditioning.

"Be individual. We're looking for people who can stand out in the crowd. We're looking for people who can be world-wide superstars to compete with Rihanna and Lady Gaga."

If you can't make it down to the Dunkin Donuts Center auditions are being accepted online. Just head to thexfactorusa.com , and register.

You can send in your audition until May 18.

Besides the obvious excitement, The X Factor also brings street closures to Providence. Sabin Street will be closed until Friday.

RIPTA is also detouring bus routes that go through downtown for the event. (Click here for those details.)

Approximately 25,000 people are expected to flock to the Dunkin Donuts Center -- hoping to get an audition and a $5 million recording contract.