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Sunderland Empire Theatre are hosting X Factor auditions today but there will be no Tyneside auditions this year – I think maybe we’ve had more than our fair share of talent competition winners from Tyneside?!

You can read more about the Sunderland X Factor auditions here…

Sunderland Empire Theatre bosses are preparing themselves as The X Factor rolls into town.

The ITV show is hosting mobile auditions in the city’s famous theatre tomorrow, and general manager Ben Phillips said he is ecstatic to be welcoming the audition trail to the city.

“Sunderland Empire Theatre are thrilled to be hosting one of the X Factor Mobile Auditions this Thursday as they hit the road on their search for the next winner,” he said.

“The X Factor Mobile Auditions will be a great opportunity for inspiring talent from across the area to shine.

Good luck to you all.”

The mobile auditions – open to all members of the public – are separate to the larger auditions which take place in front of The X Factor judges later in the year.

A spokeswoman for the show said that they are set up to give the maximum amount of people possible the chance to display their talents, and take place in towns and cities where the usual auditions don’t reach.

There will be three X Factor Mobile Audition vans travelling across the country this year throughout March to kick off the search for the next big talent.

Last year’s winner was Middlesbrough’s James Arthur, who first showcased his talent at the mobile auditions.

James, who had the fastest selling single of 2012 with his cover of the song Impossible, said “If the X Factor audition van had not come to my town, I don’t think I would have auditioned.

“Auditioning for The X Factor has completely changed my life”.

Auditions will take place at the Sunderland Empire Theatre tomorrow from 10am to 3pm for people to turn up and show off their talents.

They will also stay open until 4.30pm for those in full-time education.

Last year auditions were held in front of the judging panel – including Nicole Scherzinger and Gary Barlow – at Newcastle upon Tyne’s Metro Radio Newcastle Arena, but this year bosses said they will not be returning to the city.

A spokeswoman for The X Factor said “Last year we found some great talent in Newcastle upon Tyne including our winner James Arthur.

However this year we won’t be returning.

Each year we have to make sure we visit a range of different cities across the UK in order to give everyone the best opportunity to audition.”

If you are looking for hotel accommodation for your visit to Sunderland Empire Theatre on High Street West in Sunderland our bed and breakfast best price and room availability is here Book Online.

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Tuesday 9th June 2026, 13:55 BST
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