Kildare teens audition for X Factor in Dublin

Only a handful of wannabe singers turned out to audition for The X Factor yesterday.

Producers were holding sessions in Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre.

However, the lengthy, early-morning queues of previous years failed to materialise.

The ITV talent show, credited with discovering chart-toppers including One Direction and Little Mix, saw viewing figures drop to their lowest ever last year.

Those who did audition yesterday were hopeful of making it through.

Among them was talented singer Shauna McCann from Coolock in Dublin.

The 16-year-old, who performed Dreams by Fleetwood Mac, told the Irish Mirror: “I have always been into music, singing and playing instruments.

“The Irish bring energy and cheeky charm. It would mean the absolute world to me if I made it through to the next round.”

Meanwhile, friends Niamh Wall, 16, and 17-year-old Emer Keogh, from the Curragh in Co Kildare, said they had enjoyed the day.

Niamh, who performed Ripple Effect by Scott Helman, added: “I was able to keep myself composed but it really hits you when you walk into the audition room.

“There were two judges and they said they’d be sending out emails to those who got through between February and July.”

After many years of putting it off, mum-of-three Marcella Gavin decided to try her luck.

The 44-year-old from Tara in Co Meath said: “I sang the Beverly Craven song Promise Me.

“I think I gave it the best I could but I have a chest infection. My legs were shaking like mad – I’m glad I was wearing a long coat.