Providence to host 'X Factor' auditions

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - FOX has announced that their hit show "The X Factor" is holding auditions at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence.

An estimated 25,000 people will come to the Rhode Island's capital city this spring to try out for the talent competition.

Providence was the fifth and final city selected by "X Factor" producers to hold auditions for the second season, which will start airing in September on FOX.

"It's a big coup," Jim Bennett, Providence's economic development director, told WPRI.com . "It's exciting news."

Rhode Islanders will have the chance to show off their talents on May 10.

"It's great for the city," said Bennett, who is also chairman of the Rhode Island Convention Center. Tens of thousands of contestants and their family members will stay in Providence hotels and eat at Providence restaurants while they're here for the auditions, he said.

Providence will also benefit as millions of television viewers see the city and find out it's "a cultural mecca," Bennett declared. More than 12 million people watched the Simon Cowell production's finale Dec. 22.

Providence is the only northeast city where auditions will be held. Tryouts will also be held in Kansas City; Austin, Tex.; San Francisco; and Greensboro, N.C.

Melanie Amaro , a 19-year-old singer, got a $5 million record contract and a Super Bowl ad when she won the first contest last year. Online auditions for this year's competition will begin March 1.

Open call auditions start March 14 before coming to Providence.

"We’re here to discover stars from all music styles including groups. I really believe a group can win this show!” said Simon Cowell, judge and mentor, The X Factor .

Providence Mayor Angel Taveras said he is "incredibly excited" about the auditions being held in Providence, and congratulated Bennett and Lawrence Lepore for their efforts, saying the event will "provide Providence with a strong economic jolt."

New for season two, artists with pre-existing management contracts can now audition (subject to limited restrictions).

Auditions are open to all of America, ages 12 and over.

The X Factor Season Two winner will receive a $5 million recording contract with Sony Music.

Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid will return as judges to The X Factor this Fall on FOX. Additional judges are to be announced.

Additional registration details and line-up procedures for the May 10 auditions in Providence are to be announced.

For more information visit www.thexfactorusa.com

Ted Nesi ( tnesi@wpri.com ) covers politics and the economy for WPRI.com and writes the Nesi's Notes blog . Follow him on Twitter: @tednesi