Wannabe pop stars bid for ‘X Factor’ success in Cork

They braved the cold and rain in their quest for fame yesterday as The X Factor machine rolled into Cork.

But just a handful of the 60 or so pop star wannabes who auditioned on a closed set in the Half Moon Theatre were chosen to take part in the next round of auditions in Dublin next month, before they get their 15 seconds of fame.

Despite some renewed interest in the hit ITV show since Simon Cowell announced the return of Cheryl Cole as a judge when the 11th series hits our screens later this year, the numbers auditioning in Cork yesterday were significantly down on previous years, when producers had to turn people away. Spirits were high though among those huddled in the queue.