Fame Academy hopefuls try out

Hopefuls wait in the rain outside Odyssey Arena for auditions

Potential music stars have been queueing up in Belfast in a bid to make it onto a television talent show.

Producers of Fame Academy have been auditioning hopeful contestants for the second series of the BBC One programme at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast on Saturday.

Dozens of wannabes had to conquer their nerves before performing in front of the cameras, as well as judges from the series.

Northern Ireland turned up two stars following the last series, with Sinead Quinn and Malachi Cush both securing record deals after reaching the finals on the last Fame Academy.

Malachi and Sinead did so well, and we are hoping there is lots of other talent out here," she said

Louise Rainbow
Executive producer

Sinead plays fame game

Sinead was runner-up in the series, which was won by David Sneddon, who won a recording contract and a "life of luxury" for a year.

He went on to record a number one single, Stop Living the Lie, and an album, Seven Years: Ten Weeks.

Sinead also made the top ten, with her song, I Can't Break Down.

Executive producer Louise Rainbow said they were hopeful they would spot similar talent in Belfast this time around.

"Malachi and Sinead did so well, and we are hoping there is lots of other talent out here," she said.

"That is why we have come across to Belfast - to try and unearth some more."

A young singer shows off his audition piece

Contestants on the show are coached by music teachers and celebrity guests, and then put up for a public vote on which one should leave the series.

Successful contestants who make it through to the finals are to appear on the new series of Fame Academy on BBC1 later this year.