HUNDREDS of wannabe popstars went in search of fame when the X Factor auditions were sent to Coventry.
Cathedral Lanes Shopping Centre hosted judges from the hit ITV show last Thursday – although the returning Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole didn’t make an appearance.
Dozens or people turned out from all over the region in Broadgate to try their luck at following in the footsteps of previous winners like Sam Bailey and James Arthur.
The Observer has been told that just under 100 people auditioned and 30 of those have progressed through to the next stage.
They have been invited back to sing in front of the four judges, which will include Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole, at a second audition next month.
One of those who progressed was 18-year-old Sophie Fullerton from Potters Green.
She told the Observer: “I got a call when I was at school off a friend who was in the queue so I left school and got straight onto the bus.
“I’ve been singing since the age of four so pretty much all of my life.
“When I got into the audition I sang a gospel song and then the two judges asked me to sing a pop song.
“I decided to sing Rather Be by Clean Bandit and after a short while they told me to stop and said I was being put through which I was really pleased about.
“It was a bit nerve-racking but the next audition in front of the four judges will be even worse but I’m very excited.”
Cathedral Lanes centre manager, Tracey Harker, said the auditions were a huge success.
She added: “The organisers needed an event in the Midlands and we were happy to host because we had an empty room in the centre.
“They had to close the queue off because so many people turned up.
“I think the people of Coventry have seen other contestants do so well on Britain’s Got Talent and The Voice. It shows there’s plenty of talent in Coventry.”
Cathedral Lanes Centre manager Tracey Harker congratulates Coventry girl Ellie-Charlotte Tandy on getting through to the next round. Picture by Jon Mullis 18.014.001.cov.jm10 (www.buyphotos247.com)
A disappointed Moni Munoz didn’t impress the judges with her rendition of ‘the girl from Ipanema’. 18.014.001.cov.jm13
Tara Freeman from Loughborough can’t control her excitement. Picture by Jon Mullis 18.014.001.cov.jm4 (www.buyphotos247.com)
Right – Daniel Fortune and Katie Wilkinson. Picture by Jon Mullis 18.014.001.cov.jm2
Left – I’ve made it through!! A delighted Rochelle Fullerton with her pass to the next round at Old Trafford in Manchester. Pictures by Jon Mullis 18.014.001.cov.jm9 (www.buyphotos247.com)
Left – Connor Sherlock from Bell Green was going to play Ed Sheeran and Oasis for the judges. 18.014.001.cov.jm7
Coventry hopefuls all hoping to be the next X Factor winner. Picture by Jon Mullis 18.014.001.cov.jm8 (www.buyphotos247.com)
