Thousands Try Out For 'X Factor' TV Show at Nassau Coliseum

More than 16,000 braved cold temperatures and long lines in Uniondale Thursday for a 90-second audition for the popular "X Factor" TV talent show.

Producers said the Nassau Coliseum audition crowd was the largest in the program's three-year history, forcing an extra day of auditions on Long Island on Friday.

With temperatures in the low 40s, hundreds of people of all ages began lining up before dawn for their chance. By 7 a.m., thousands of jubilant X Factor hopefuls from the northeast region were on hand.

"I didn't make it but that's ok," said Dawn Feniello of Massapequa. "I did it for fun and I'm glad I did."

Feniello, who sang "Red Neck Woman" for her tryout, said the hardest part of the day was waiting in the long lines.

"I got sick actually," said Feniello.

Donna Lutz of Amityville said she waited in the cold for six hours and stood on a bathroom line for one hour. She said she had a good time even though she was not chosen to continue.

"It was pretty quick," said Lutz regarding her audition. "I guess I should stick to karaoke." 

Lutz, 52, said there was an awful lot of talent in Nassau Thursday.

"They are going to find somebody from New York," she said.

Lending support to her 14-year-old daughter who auditioned for the first time, a Staten Island mother said it was well worth the trip. "We bonded, it was nice," she said.

The first round of auditions did not feature celebrity judges Simon Cowell and Demi Lovato. Spots for two judges still remain open on the panel. 

Those chosen to advance to the next round were given golden tickets and were asked to return Friday morning at 6:30 a.m. for the next round, according to show producers.

The show's one winner will score a recording deal with Sony Music.