X Factor judges, fans arrive in Prov.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Does a Rhode Islander have the X Factor, the makings of a pop music star? Well, Providence apparently had enough of it to get picked to host the auditions, and now the star-makers are in town to see what New England has to offer.

While most X Factor fans pouring into Downtown Providence are cheering on auditioners, there are plenty of fans for the judges too, as some of their placards read "WE (heart) DEMI," for judge Demi Lovato. She is joining the judges' table along with Britney Spears, and the returning L.A. Reid and Simon Cowell, the latter also serving as executive producer.

By 2 p.m. Wednesday, the judges were starting to arrive and greet fans and auditioners on Sabin Street.

After show producers saw acts last month, the next three days are set to feature some four hundred contestant call-backs, with the performances being taped for the shows this fall.

"We screamed," said Melissa Carlin, when her brother was among those picked to return for the tapings. "There's like 20 of us supporting them... We hope they do really well."

There's also empathy for the contestants when they step into the spotlight. The Dunk normally holds more than 13,000 people. Not every one of those regular seats will be filled, but can you imagine thousands of people booing you? "It's very nerve-racking, I bet," said one girl waiting in line.

On the line is a $5 million recording contract.

As for Providence getting picked for the event, "We're sort of lucky, because we're sort of on the smaller side," a girl said. "When I heard it was coming here, I was like, 'Yes! Finally!' ... We get to be a part of something that's usually with bigger cities."

For Season 1, auditions were held in Los Angeles, Chicago, Newark, N.J., Miami, Dallas, and Seattle. This year, the cities got more eclectic, with Providence representing the Northeast, having followed Austin, Texas, Kansas City, Mo., and San Francisco.

After Providence, the audition tour heads to Greensboro, N.C.