"The X Factor." (FOX logo)

'The X Factor' season two winner to receive $5 million recording contract with Sony Music

Auditions open to solo artists and vocal groups ages 12 and over and artists with pre-existing management contracts can now audition

"The X Factor" is extending online auditions to Friday, April 27. Solo artists and vocal groups have an additional two weeks to submit their online auditions. To audition online, auditioners should upload a 30-second introduction and a one-and-a-half minute a cappella video performance to www.TheXFactorUSA.com.

"The X Factor" invites all of America, ages 12 and over with no upper age limit, to audition for season two (subject to full eligibility requirements). Additionally, artists with pre-existing management contracts are now eligible to audition. Visit www.TheXFactorUSA.com for full eligibility requirements and audition terms and conditions.

Auditioners may also attend one of the open call auditions in San Francisco (April 20), Greensboro, N.C. (May 1) and Providence, R.I. (May 10) or MyStudio booths across the country. Open Call and MyStudio Recording Studios and audition information below:

Open Call Auditions

San Francisco

• Cow Palace
• Registration: April 18-19
• Audition: April 20

Greensboro, N.C.

• Coliseum
• Registration: April 29-30
• Audition: May 1

Providence, R.I.

• Dunkin' Donuts Center
• Registration: May 9
• Audition: May 10

MyStudio Booths

• Aiei, Hawaii - Pearlridge Center (March 1 - April 15)
• Los Angeles - Westfield Culver City (March 9 - April 15)
• Las Vegas - Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino (March 14 - April 15)

• Tempe, Ariz. - Arizona Mills Mall (March 1 - April 15)
• Franklin, Tenn. - Coolsprings Galleria (March 1 - April 15)
• Paramus, N.J. - Westfield Garden State Plaza (March 1 - April 15)

• Mashantucket, C.T. - Foxwoods Resort Casino (March 9 - April 15)

The No. 1 unscripted series of the fall has discovered such diverse recording artists as winner Melanie Amaro, and finalists Astro, Chris Rene, Josh Krajcik, Marcus Canty and Rachel Crow, who have all signed major deals with Sony Music.

Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid will return as judges to "The X Factor" this fall on FOX. Additional judges to be announced.

Visit www.TheXFactorUSA.com or http://www.facebook.com/TheXFactorUSA for the latest news and information about "The X Factor," and log on to Twitter @TheXFactorUSA (#XFactor).