Monday, January 12, 2026

Young singers hope to emulate Cyrus’ success on X-Factor

Reality music television is back in full swing. The Voice AU launched their blind auditions last week, while X Factor is in the middle of a nation-wide talent search. For a few aspiring singers, this is an opportunity to gain experience, build confidence and exposure in front of a bigger audience. Others will audition after getting inspiration from Filipino-Australian teen Cyrus Villanueva, who blitzed through the competition to win the X Factor in 2015.

Sydney’s Calvin Orosa, Miss Powers, Jayd Luna and Zac Hakos are going to try their luck in the spotlight this weekend. Justin Vasquez, Aliyah Baynosa and Annalisa Fernandez will bring their talents in front of the executive producers to the final leg of the X Factor auditions in Melbourne City.

Annalisa Fernandez aka TRQS, a 20-year old singer from Delahey in Melbourne’s North West, is looking forward to the experience.

“It would be amazing to make it up to the live audition stage in front of the judges. It would create a great opportunity for me and I would give it everything I got because I got nothing to lose.”

MAS Presents talent director and hip hop impresario Marco Selorio, the man behind the success of Cyrus Villanueva last year, said X Factor can give young artists a chance to build their self-esteem and help grow their respective fan base.

“There are three things that I always tell our young artists who want to try X Factor. Firstly, go in there with a positive and humble attitude. Secondly, use the audition for experience to get feedback on your performance. Lastly, the show is good for getting you new fans so use it to get your name out there. It isn’t about just winning the competition, but the journey is more significant for new artists.”

X Factor’s public auditions are now underway. Dates are shown below. The live show will be televised on Channel 7 later in the year.

  • Sydney
    May 7 Sat
    Spotless Stadium, Grand Parade, Olympic Park
    9am – 3pm
  • Perth
    May 15 Sun
    Parmelia Hilton Perth, 14 Mill St Perth
    9am – 3pm
  • Adelaide
    May 19 Thu
    AAMI Stadium, Turner Drive, West Lakes
    9am – 3pm
  • Melbourne
    May 21 Sat
    Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
    9am-3pm

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