Boyband hopefuls sing for chance at pop stardom

While it’s not unusual to find a sprawling queue outside the Button Factory in Temple Bar in Dublin at 11 o’clock on a Saturday night, it is a somewhat strange sight at 11am on a Sunday.

Dozens of young men gathered around the city centre venue today as they set their sights on pop stardom.

Their chances of success lie in the hands of X-Factor judge Louis Walsh, who is looking to find the next big boy band. The Mayo music impresario sent an open invitation to all male singers aged from 16 to 25 years.

ExpandAutoplay

Image 1 of 3

Kevin Keeley from Tallaght in Temple Bar after his audition. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Mr Walsh said he was excited by the “great vibe” at the venue. “I’m looking for vocals and I’m looking for musicality.”

His biggest success story to date is Westlife - the band sold over 40 million records and Mr Walsh admitted he’d be happy if he found people “half as good” as them.

“Attitude and ambition are almost as important as talent to me,” he added.

Although the final decision will be made by Mr Walsh, he brought along a team of advisors including musician and TV personality Aonghus McAnally.

The broadcaster said the final five would have “the whole package” - vocals, charisma, dedication and looks.

“It matters what they look like because very rarely, in my opinion, do you come across (a pop star) who’s big, heavy, overweight, bad looking … it’s a tough business in that regard,” Mr McAnally said.

He also noted the number of guitarists present, saying it was very promising to see “live music flourishing”.

One such guitarist was 16-year-old Brendan Murray from Tuam in Co Galway. “I want to be big, be a star - make something out of myself.”

Another guitarist hoping to impress the panel was Emmet Crotty from Cork. The 18-year-old said he came to the auditions to “try and do it for the underdog”. “I’m real, just raw talent.”

Patrick Lehnen (19) is originally from London but has been living in Kilkenny for the last three years. He unsuccessfully auditioned for The X Factor on two previous occasions. “In my opinion that (show) is more about looks. Louis said today would be about vocals - hopefully he sticks to it.”

It took Liam Michael Casey 16 hours by bus and ferry to get to Dublin from Surrey in England.

The 21-year-old singer-songwriter said it will all be worth it if he’s chosen. “I can’t live without music … I listen to everything … from classical to house.”

Billy Cashin (18) had a shorter distance to travel but was “up this morning at the crack of dawn getting ready” nonetheless. The Walkinstown native said he was focused and hoping to make a good impression.

The auditions will continue at the Button Factory until 6pm today and again from 12pm-6pm tomorrow.

Mr Walsh said more dates may be added if he doesn’t find what he’s looking for in the next two days. “I’m going to keep doing it until I get the right people,” he stated.