Just a handful turn up for X Factor auditions in Belfast... has the hit show finally lost its glitz?
IT was once the undisputed king of Saturday night television, attracting millions of viewers and thousands of talented hopefuls.
But the X Factor has taken something of a battering in the ratings in recent years, raising questions if it’s had its day.
And if ever Simon Cowell needed proof his talent reality show is on the slide, he had to look no further than Belfast yesterday.
The X Factor juggernaut rolled into the city looking for talented wannabes to follow in the footsteps of One Direction, Leona Lewis and JLS.
But the arrival of the once allconquering entertainment colossos was greeted with a bit of a whimper when it arrived in the Markets area of south Belfast.
The scene at the Markets Community Centre was a far cry from the thousands of screaming hopefuls once seen queuing overnight for their 15 minutes of fame.
Instead, an underwhelming group of 25 singers showed up to yesterday’s audition — the only one being held in Northern Ireland for this year’s series.
The small-scale auditions — judged by producers rather than the all-star line up including Louis Walsh and Gary Barlow — are de- signed to reach talent outside the major arena events.
But, judging by yesterday’s turnout, the once- devoted wannabes just aren’t interested anymore.
Among those with stars in their eyes is Sam Wickens, a student from Bangor, who said he wasn’t disappointed at not being selected because the show is in decline.
“They told me I’m not what they’re looking for,” he said.
“Well, I write my own songs and have been playing the guitar since I was seven, so I guess they’re just looking for someone autotuned and fake. “I wouldn’t let something like this put me off. It’s no big deal nowadays. I won’t be giving up because of this.”
The successful singers will have to complete three more successful auditions before they perform for the judges.
Those who were successful were given an official X Factor number and will attend an audition in either London, Manchester or Glasgow.
Claire Captain from Belfast was put through to the next round.
She said: “I’m glad it was a small event today, that meant I was much less nervous. By the time I get to the big auditions, I’ll be terrified.
“I don’t think I’d have worked up the courage to audition if it hadn’t been just down the road.”
Simon Cowell recently said there would be “a lot of changes” to this year’s programme which was trounced in the ratings by the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing last year.
The music mogul has said he will be more involved in the series, which he no longer acts as judge for, and has held crisis talks about how to boost viewing figures.
Sharon Osbourne is rumoured to be returning to the show, to replace judge Tulisa Contostavlos. “Yes. Although I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with the X Factor. I’m here today because a lot of bad luck has got in the way before. The night before one audition, I broke my leg. Peter McKennaBoyd (18), Ballynahinch “Yes. It’s been a long time coming for me. I was told by Louis Walsh to try out three years ago. So I said if “Yes. Even though I didn’t start singing or playing until I was 17, music is my life now. I studied it at uni and I play the piano, guitar, sax and drums so I’m a bit of a oneman band. “I didn’t get through and don’t think I would try out again. I’m glad they came here, though. The producers were really nice.”