Fox's THE X FACTOR Season 2 Auditions to Begin 3/1

THE X FACTOR is expanding its audition process to reach more singers than any talent show ever before in its search to find the best new solo artists and vocal groups in America. In addition and new for Season Two, artists with pre-existing management contracts can now audition (subject to limited restrictions).

America's best undiscovered talent can audition for THE X FACTOR Season Two as follows:

· Online auditions open March 1 at www.TheXFactorUSA.com;

· MyStudio HD Recording Studios across America open March 1 (see below for details)

· Open Calls begin March 14 in Kansas City and continue in Austin, TX (March 22); San Francisco (April 20); Greensboro, NC (May 1); and an additional city to be announced

THE X FACTOR reopens its invitation to ALL of America, ages 12 and over with no upper age limit, to audition for Season Two (subject to full eligibility requirements). This fall's No. 1 unscripted series discovered such diverse recording artists as winner Melanie Amaro, and finalists Astro, Chris Rene, Josh Krajcik, Marcus Canty and Rachel Crow, who have all signed major deals with Sony Music.

Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid will return as judges to THE X FACTOR this fall on FOX. Additional judges to be announced.

"We wanted to change a few things this year, so starting with the auditions, we've torn up the rulebook again. Even if you have management you can still enter, and we are making it easier by extending the online auditions and taking the MyStudio booths to even more cities. You can enter as many times as you want and come to any of the cities, too. We're here to discover stars from all music styles including groups. I really believe a group can win this show!" - Simon Cowell, judge and mentor, THE X FACTOR.

"In the music industry, when you're looking for new talent you can discover it anywhere. THE X FACTOR is opening this up to go further than anyone has before, and that's what it takes, so I can't wait to see what amazing talent we might find. I urge people to go out and audition, this is the real deal." - L.A. Reid, judge and mentor, THE X FACTOR.

Open Call, MyStudio and online audition information is noted in the chart below:

Sign up now for all audition information and audition details, including rules and eligibility requirements at www.TheXFactorUSA.com. Hopefuls should check back regularly for updated information, rules and registration forms.

Melanie Amaro was crowned THE X FACTOR Season One winner and was awarded the biggest prize in TV history, a $5 million recording contract, as well as her own iconic Pepsi commercial featuring Sir Elton John. Her album is due out later this spring.

Visit www.TheXFactorUSA.com or www.facebook.com/TheXFactorUSA for the Latest THE X FACTOR News and Information Twitter: @TheXFactorUSA