X Factor representatives have been forced to take to Southampton’s streets in a bid to find people to audition.

Singing competition, The X Factor, came to Southampton to try and find the next pop sensation, but only a small number of people turned up at the event which is taking place today between 11am and 5pm.

The nationwide audition tour, which is visiting cities around the country, fell short when no more than 15 people were queuing at the start of the event to perform in ‘the pod’.

Singers who did take part were recorded and they will find out if they were successful in the next few months.

Some of the people who did audition include Dyna Nguyen, 20, a student at Winchester, who said: “I am a little bit nervous, this is my big opportunity. I will be performing my own version of ‘Love on the brain’, by Rihanna. I really hope that I have the X Factor.”

Marian Lunar, 20, a student at Southampton Solent Music Performance living in the City Centre, said: “I was just walking and I saw the auditions. I am going to perform a Westlife song. I’m not nervous. I am confident. I have been singing my whole life, I sing every single day. I have done gigs in Southampton and my next one will be at The Joiners.

“I believe I have the X Factor, it’s about having the whole package: looks, talent and personality.”

Daniel Shaw, 27, a hairdresser from the city centre, said: “I have the X Factor. I have been singing most of my life. Singing makes me really happy. When I do a good performance, I feel confident. I think I am ready to take on Simon Cowell – you have to be.”

Shaun Craven, 23, unemployed from Millbrook said: “I got through to the fifth round of auditions a few years ago, but I wasn’t confident enough. I saw the audition booth today and thought why not, this might be my chance.”

Michael Marshall, Millbrook, 25, unemployed, said: “I sing in my spare time. I am singing a Nickleback song that I sang at a talent show when I was a Bellemoor school.”