FOX's THE X FACTOR to Hold Open Auditions in Providence

As many as 25,000 expected to be a part of auditions at the Dunkin' Donuts Center for Simon Cowell's blockbuster singing competition.

Providence, the Capital City of Rhode Island, was selected today as the fifth and final city to host auditions for the second season of THE X FACTOR, FOX's hit singing competition. Open auditions will be held at the Dunkin' Donuts Center during the week of May 7. Providence is the only Northeast city to be selected to host auditions.

Potential contestants will audition in front of THE X FACTOR producers and go on to a later round of auditions in which the final winner will receive a $5 million recording contract with Sony Records.

"I am excited to welcome THE X FACTOR to Providence and look forward to hosting THE X FACTOR executives and all of the participants in our Capital City. Providence is among the most creative and artistic cities in America. It makes perfect sense that we will host the newest hit talent competition," said Providence Mayor Angel Taveras. "I applaud Jim Bennett and Lawrence Lepore for their leadership that will shine a national spotlight on our great city and provide Providence with a strong economic jolt."

"THE X FACTOR is a big deal for Rhode Island and our Capital City. We look forward to welcoming thousands of performers and fans to our state and city," said Governor Lincoln Chafee. "I commend Mayor Taveras for his work to show off everything we have to offer in Providence and across Rhode Island."

THE X FACTOR will begin online auditions on March 1 and will host open auditions starting March 14 in Kansas City. Other host cities include Austin, San Francisco and Greensboro. Last season, THE X FACTOR averaged more than 12.5 million nightly viewers.

Additional details, including information about the audition process, will be released at a later date.

Since its debut in 2004, THE X FACTOR has remained the U.K. #1 program. Local versions of the show have consistently rated #1 in their respective markets. THE X FACTOR is produced by Syco Television and FremantleMedia North America.