HUNDREDS of hopefuls queued up yesterday as the first round of X-Factor auditions got underway and new judges Kelly Rowland, Tulisa Contostavlos and Take That star Gary Barlow took to the red carpet.
All three were met with screams as they walked into Birmingham’s LG arena, where the wannabe pop-stars were lined up outside.
First to arrive was Louis Walsh, who was greeted by excited fans chanting his name.
Smiling Walsh posed for snaps with fans and signed autographs for around ten minutes before heading inside to the green room.
Stunning Kelly Rowland arrived in a yellow crop top and black skirt. Wearing incredibly high Christian Louboutin’s, Kelly showed off a tattoo that say’s ‘God’s Gift’.
The revealing outfit drew huge cheers from the crowd, and the former Destiny’s Child star took time to chat to fans and pose for pictures.
There were reports of several audience members fainting in the crowd as they waited.
Panicked show staff were seen handing out bottles of water to fans as they waited to be let in to watch the first round of auditions.
Fans, some of whom had been queuing outside since 6am, went wild as new judge Gary Barlow emerged from a black Jaguar X3.
Wearing a black suit with a blue t-shirt underneath, Barlow kept a distance from the crowds as he posed for photos.
The biggest cheer came when new judge and N-Dubz Tulisa Contostavlos arrived.
Wearing an all-in-one black jumpsuit patterned with red lips, and 6-inch red heels, the singer from the popular trio chatted and joked with eager fans.
She told the press that Simon Cowell had advised her to speak her mind.
The 23-year-old said: “Be myself, those were his exact words.
“I can be vicious but I’m a big softy at heart.
“And I think I know how to find a star.”
Former X-Factor contestant Olly Murs, host of this year’s Xtra Factor’show, arrived with ‘I’m a Celebrity…’ host Caroline Flack.
The pair looked close as they posed for the cameras, with Murs putting his arm around his 31-year-old co-presenter.
Pretty auditionee Lillie Laverick was hoping to wow the judges with her colourful style and swagger.
She said: “I’d describe myself as a cross between Jessie J and Pink.
“I really love artists with attitude and I’ve got a bit of that.
Speaking about new judge Tulisa, she said: “I really hope Tulisa likes me, I’m a really big N-Dubz fan, I’ve seen them twice.”
The 16-year-old from Grimsby, Lincs, appeared calm and collected before her audition.
She said: “I’m not that nervous, but I probably will be a bit when I’m up on stage as it’s such a big crowd.
“I haven’t really had a chance to practice this week as I’ve had the flu.
“But I’ve been singing for eight years and I feel ready.”
Lillie’s friend Peach Reynolds, 16, said: “We’re really excited for Lillie, she’s really good and I think she’ll go through.”
Many fans seemed unfazed by the axing of former judge Cheryl Cole, who sensationally walked out of the US version of the show last week.
Lucy Machin, 16, from Grimsby, said: “I’m really excited about seeing Tulisa. I’m a huge fan of N-Dubz and I love her.
“She’ll be a great judge, I’m not really bothered that Cheryl’s gone, I still love the show.”
Danielle Swaby, 16, from Lincolnshire, agreed. She said: “I think the show will be great.
“I love Tulisa and Kelly Rowland, I’m really excited.”
