Hopefuls queue in bid for stardom

Aspiring Wairarapa performers queued outside Masterton Town Hall hoping to show the country they've got the X Factor.

The X Factor NZ held pre-auditions for the TV talent show yesterday.

TV3 publicist Rose Swale said it was hard to determine how many people would actually audition as some people were supporting friends and family.

At least 100 people had queued up outside the town hall once auditions started.

"What is fantastic about communities like Masterton ... is it's a real community event," she said. "People come out to support - which is fantastic."

Miss Swale said the auditions had gone really well so far.

And what is the X Factor?

"The X Factor is something that's actually indescribable," said Miss Swale.

"It's when somebody comes in and they've got it all. It's just something about them that you can't explain - but listening to them sing and perform is a life-changing moment."

Masterton's Josh Matthews had been in line since 9.20am.

"My friend came over and told me there's already a line out there," he said.

"So I was like 'we have to go."

Although he hadn't done a lot of practice - or decided on what he was going to sing - the 20-year-old was confident about his audition.

Performers who are successful in the pre-auditions will go to Auckland to perform in front of a live studio audience and judges including international stars Stan Walker and Daniel Bedingfield.

The show will air this year.