HUNDREDS of aspiring pop stars were making their bid for fame today as The X Factor auditions kicked-off in Glasgow.

Around 2000 people braved the chilly weather to queue beside the River Clyde, near the SECC.

Auditions didn't start until 9am today – but some hopefuls began arriving from 6am.

And the city's singing hopefuls were treated to an extra thrill when show host Dermot O'Leary turned up to cheer them on.

Dermot said: "Glasgow always deliver. They are always up for it.

"It would be nice to get a finalist from Glasgow."

Show producers whipped the crowd into a frenzy, as they punched the air, wearing giant foam X Factor fingers, and waving Saltires.

The usual mix of wacky contestants painted their faces and donned silly outfits in a bid to make them stand out from the crowd.

Contestants whiled away the time by entertaining one another with their routines.

Megan Diver, from Townhead, was among the Glasgow singers vying for a spot on the ITV talent show.

The 17-year-old Evening Times junior agent, said: "I just want to be a singer.

"I want to get experience and advice. I am quite scared but I have been rehearsing a lot."

George Hoffin, 26, from Mauchline, in Ayrshire, began queuing at 7am for his shot at stardom.

He said: "I sing in a wedding band but I want to make name for myself.

"I am absolutely freezing but excited about the audition."

Meanwhile, hopeful Janine Richardson, set off from Durham, in England, at 3am to make it to the Glasgow auditions today.

The 19-year-old said: "I came last year and I bottled it on stage and I wanted to come again and sing.

"I came out of sync and I was gutted and didn't sing for a few months.

"But I have been doing gigs to built confidence. I want to be heard, I want people to hear my voice."

In the first round of auditions for this year's talent show, singers will be asked to perform for producers to earn their chance of getting through to the next round.

Those lucky enough to impress will then face several gruelling stages before they come in front of the celebrity panel of judges for more auditions in June.

rebecca.gray@ eveningtimes.co.uk