Cowell sets auditions schedule

Auditions for Simon Cowell’s US take on 'The X Factor' are set to kick off next month in Los Angeles, followed by excursions to five other cities.

Fox TV announced that the audition at the Los Angeles Sports Arena will be held on March 27.

They will also be held in Miami; Newark, New Jersey; Seattle; Chicago, and Dallas.

'The X Factor', based on Cowell’s UK series and debuting on Fox this autumn, is open to both solo singers and vocal groups.

It allows a broader age range for contestants than American Idol, Cowell’s previous home.

Singers who are 12 years old as of March 1 are eligible and there is no upper age limit. At stake is a $5m recording contract.