Simon Cowell's highly anticipated X Factor is finally kicking off its search for the next big star this weekend in LA on March 27.
The media mogul has confirmed L.A. Reid will be taking a seat on the coveted judging panel and still has to announce the remaining two female judges and two hosts - one female, one.
When asked about rumored stars Cheryl Cole, Maria Carey, Nicole Scherzinger, Jessica Simpson, Simon did admit "a couple are still in the running," but L.A. was the only star he could back. "He really knows what he's doing and is incredibly charismatic and knows how to work with talent and spot it," Simon tells Life & Style.
What will Simon and L.A. be looking for when it comes to inching towards X Factor's life-changing $5 million prize? "We want to find somebody who in the real world can compete with some of the most successful artists around at the moment, be it Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Justin Beiber, Glee," Simon tells Life & Style. "You don't just want a talent show winner, you want to find a star."
After LA, X Factor will hold auditions in Miami, Newark, N.J., Seattle, Chicago and Dallas through May 25. The complete list of dates below.
Wristbands must be obtained from the venue the day prior to auditions.
LOS ANGELES
L.A. Sports Arena
3939 S. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90037
WRISTBAND COLLECTION Saturday, March 26
AUDITION Sunday, March 27
MIAMI
Bank United Center
1245 Dauer Drive
Coral Gables, FL 33146
WRISTBAND COLLECTION Wednesday, April 6
AUDITION Thursday, April 7
NEWARK
Prudential Center
165 Mulberry Street
Newark, NJ 07102
WRISTBAND COLLECTION Wednesday, April 13
AUDITION Thursday, April 14
SEATTLE
Key Arena
305 Harrison Street
Seattle, WA 98109
WRISTBAND COLLECTION Tuesday, April 19
AUDITION Wednesday, April 20
CHICAGO
Sears Centre Arena
5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy
Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
WRISTBAND COLLECTION Tuesday, April 26
AUDITION Wednesday, April 27
DALLAS
Dallas Convention Center
650 South Griffin Street
Dallas, TX 75202
WRISTBAND COLLECTION Wednesday, May 25
AUDITION Thursday, May 26
