Idol Chatter & Voice Views

If you’re interested in winning Simon Cowell’s $5 million prize, circle the date Thursday, April 14, on your calendar.

That’s when The X Factor crew will travel to the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., in search of contestants for the show’s inaugural season.

It’s the closest of six audition sites announced this week.

The X Factor auditions will begin in L.A. on Sunday, March 27; auditioners are being asked to show up the day before to get their wristbands.

Auditions are also set for Miami, Fla., on April 7; Seattle, Wash., on April 20; Chicago, Ill., on April 27; and in Dallas, Texas, with the date for those auditions yet to be announced.

Hey, if you win, in addition to the $5 million, Simon is guaranteeing to make you a global superstar. Seriously, that’s what he says in a video promoting the show.

To quote Simon: “That’s what you want at the end of this, a global superstar. And the first person who win this show, I guarantee you that will happen. I just have a feeling.”

Anyone 12 and older who sings is eligible. Apparently, there will be four judges, each responsible for one group of contestants — young male singers, young female singers, older singers and groups. Unlike Idol, there’s no upper age limit for competitors.

Oh, yes, groups of singers are eligible. In fact, Simon says he thinks “there’s a gap in the market now for another Spice Girls, another Destiny’s Child, another ‘N Sync.”

But you’d better be ready to perform as well as sing. After all, that’s why the show is called The X Factor, Simon says.

You don’t have to necessarily have the best voice. You may not be the best looking person. But you have something which defines you as a star. Like Lady Gaga. She’s got the X factor. And you never know till it walks in the room.”

Ah, but those auditions aren’t for the faint of heart.

Apparently, the auditions are held in front of 3,000 to 4,000 people, allowing the crowd to become the fifth judge.

For more information on eligibility, go here.