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'X-Factor' Auditions Come To The Prudential Center

NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Producer Simon Cowell wants performers to bring "New Jersey attitude and swagger'' to the Newark auditions for his new show.

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X-Factor Auditions
Celeste Belletti, of the Bronx, uses an exercise ball to rest while waiting in line to get a wrist band to audition in the upcoming Fox series the 'X Factor', Wednesday, April 13, 2011, in Newark, N.J. (credit: Julio Cortez/AP)

Solo singers and vocal groups began lining up at the Prudential Center Wednesday for their wristbands. Auditions for  "The X Factor'' will be held at 8.m.  Thursday.

Three friends from Connecticut braved the dreary weather saying, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."

One man said, "Performance is life, this is what you dream about, this is an opportunity to do it."

Mulberry Street between Edison Place and Lafayette Street and Edison Place between Broad Street and McCarter Highway will be closed until 6 p.m. Thursday to accomodate the long lines.

The Newark auditions are the third of six stops, following Los Angeles and Miami, in the search for performers to compete on the upcoming Fox series. It's the American version of a show that's been on in Great Britain since 2004.

The famously blunt Cowell will be one of four judges on the new show. It differs from "American Idol'' in that it allows musical groups and contestants as young as 12.

(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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