Check-in to The MLB All-Star Game on GetGlue & you’ll unlock an exclusive bonus sticker for The X Factor!

For more information, visit the MLB All-Star Game on GetGlue or access via the GetGlue app available for the iPhone, iPad, Android, and Blackberry.

In addition, Academy Award-nominated actor Brad Pitt narrates a special pregame open to air at 8:00 PM ET that pays tribute to past and present All-Stars and celebrates the game of baseball.

Grammy nominated platinum recording artist and American Idol-winner Jordin Sparks sings the U.S. National Anthem prior to the All-Star Game. Later in the game, Grammy Award-winning singer Michelle Branch performs “God Bless America” during the 7th inning stretch.

To bring viewers the sights and sounds of the first All-Star Game hosted by the city of Phoenix, more than 21 cameras and 80 microphones will be positioned throughout Chase Field. This year’s star-studded contest also features the FOX “X-MO” which will be used behind home plate. This specialty camera shoots at up to 500 frames-per-second. To bring viewers even closer to the action on the field, players for each league will be miked and in-game interviews with All-Stars, managers and coaches are scheduled throughout the broadcast.

Nicole Scherzinger

FOX, FREMANTLEMEDIA NORTH AMERICA AND SYCO TV today confirm Nicole Scherzinger will be replacing Cheryl Cole on the judging panel of THE X FACTOR. Nicole will join Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid and Paula Abdul on their search across America to find the next global superstar or group to win the life-changing $5 million dollar recording deal. Nicole has previously joined Simon Cowell as a guest judge on The X Factor for the UK version of the show in 2010. Steve Jones will act as sole host of THE X FACTOR.

Last chance to audition for The X Factor

THE X FACTOR is giving fans an additional opportunity to audition for the show online via YouTube. Beginning today through June 9 – for one week only – solo artists and vocal groups 12 years old and over will have the opportunity to submit an audition video exclusively on YouTube at www.youtube.com/theXfactorusa.

YouTube auditions make it easier and more convenient than ever for hopefuls to audition for THE X FACTOR, giving more people the chance to become a global superstar or breakout music group and win a $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music.

Entrants should demonstrate their singing ability by performing a song a cappella. Videos are limited to two (2) minutes in length, including a 30-second introduction that explains who they are and why they have THE X FACTOR. Audition videos, which will be judged in a similar fashion to the live audition cities, will remain private and be viewable only by THE X FACTOR team. Auditioners selected to move forward in the competition will be offered the opportunity to continue their audition in front of the judges.

Visit www.youtube.com/theXfactorusa for more information and complete rules and regulations, as well as the full terms and conditions of the video submission process.

“I’m really happy we are launching auditions through YouTube,” said Simon Cowell. “There is a lot of great talent online now, and especially young kids today are using YouTube to get themselves seen and heard. It’s very easy, and it is $5 million after all! I’m very excited to see the auditions that might come through this.”

“With the largest guaranteed prize in television history at stake, we’ve got to make sure that every potential superstar in the country has an opportunity to audition for THE X FACTOR,” said Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “YouTube allows us to broaden our talent search beyond our audition cities to the tens of millions of YouTube users in the U.S.”

“We’re thrilled for the opportunity to reach deep into the vast YouTube community and utilize their passion, power and opinion to help us find the next global superstar or breakout music group on THE X FACTOR,” added executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz.

“YouTube is thrilled to partner with FOX, Syco, FremantleMedia and Pepsi to engage the YouTube community in THE X FACTOR phenomenon in the U.S.,” said Robert Kyncl, Vice President of TV and Film Entertainment at Google.

In a departure from other singing competition series, the first time contestants audition for THE X FACTOR judges, they will do so in front of an audience of thousands – raising the stakes and increasing the pressure to impress not only the judges, but also a potential legion of fans. This will be the ultimate test to prove they have the vocal ability, charisma and stage presence that it takes to win an unprecedented $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music.

As previously announced, Pepsi will serve as an official sponsor of THE X FACTOR. The comprehensive sponsorship includes an extensive, multi-platform digital and experiential marketing partnership; weekly in-show integrations and placements; and an immersive content experience online.

“We are excited about this phase of our THE X FACTOR partnership because the YouTube auditions open up the opportunity for literally millions of people to chase their dreams – something that no other show has been able to do,” said Frank Cooper, Chief Engagement Officer, PepsiCo Beverages America. “And Pepsi is fundamentally about providing meaningful, fun opportunities to consumers in every part of the country, both on- and off-line.”

To encourage fans to get involved with the live auditions and generate conversation leading up to the premiere, Pepsi has embedded social media features, including links to the Pepsi Foursquare page highlighting the upcoming live audition venues; the Pepsi YouTube page showcasing video from THE X FACTOR audition crowds; the Pepsi Twitter account (@Pepsi) where fans can track news with the hashtag #PepsiXFactor; and the Pepsi Facebook page where fans can look for exclusive THE X FACTOR content and features.

While THE X FACTOR has held live auditions in five cities, with one more in Dallas, Texas on May 26, the unprecedented audition studios allow hopefuls – both solo artists and vocal groups – in separate cities the chance to audio and video record their a cappella audition and state why they think they have what it takes to be a global superstar or breakout music group. THE X FACTOR is the first singing competition show to utilize these state-of-the-art recording studios, giving more people the chance to become a global superstar and win a $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music.

“I am delighted that we have extended the deadline for our MyStudio X FACTOR auditions,” said Simon Cowell. “The X Factor MyStudio partnership has been incredibly successful with many thousands of amazing auditions coming in this way. We want to be sure that anyone who wants to audition for THE X FACTOR has an opportunity to do so and that the very best will be seen by me and my fellow judges.”

THE X FACTOR MyStudio locations are extended thru MAY 15:

Until May 15, anyone 12 years old or over – both solo artists and vocal groups – will have the opportunity to use the state-of-the-art studios to audio and video record their a cappella audition and state why they think they have what it takes to be a global superstar or breakout music group.

All MyStudio video finalists, as selected by THE X FACTOR producers, will now be invited to audition before judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Cheryl Cole and Antonio “L.A.” Reid, and a live studio audience.

Paula Abdul joins Simon on the judges' panel

America’s sweetheart, world-renowned choreographer and pop icon Paula Abdul will join Cheryl Cole, Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Simon Cowell as a judge on THE X FACTOR, the highly anticipated singing competition series debuting this fall. Abdul, who sat alongside Cowell for eight seasons as a judge on AMERICAN IDOL, has worldwide album sales exceeding 50 million records, two No. 1 albums, six No. 1 singles, a Grammy Award, seven MTV Awards, two Emmy Awards, two People’s Choice Awards and two Kids’ Choice Awards. Abdul will join Cole, Cowell, and Reid as they travel to THE X FACTOR audition cities searching for the next global superstar or breakout music group.

“This show would never have been the same without Paula and I can’t believe I am saying this – I have missed her a lot, and I am thrilled she’s on the show,” said Simon Cowell.

“I am excited beyond words to be a part of THE X FACTOR. I couldn’t be happier to bring my love for cultivating talent and performance to such a wildly anticipated show,” said Paula Abdul. “I’m looking forward to being back with the FOX family and know that it will be an extraordinary journey — we’re going to have a blast. I’m also delighted and grateful to be sitting next to Simon again…but you might want to check back with me in a week or two!”

“Paula is not only the lovely, nurturing person that America fell in love with, but she’s also one of the fiercest competitors I’ve ever seen — which makes her a perfect fit to judge THE X FACTOR,” said Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “Paula and Simon have undeniable chemistry, and together with L.A. Reid and Cheryl Cole, I think we’ve put together an incredibly entertaining judges’ panel.”

“I’m thrilled to be working with Paula again,” says executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. “A consummate entertainer in her own right, she has an extraordinary talent and generosity for nurturing performers — and her chemistry with Simon Cowell is like no other. I especially look forward to seeing her signature sensibilities in action during our mentoring rounds!”

Auditions have been held in Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, Seattle and Chicago. Dallas auditions take place on May 26. In addition to the open auditions, THE X FACTOR has audition booths in six more cities open through May 8.

During the open auditions, The X Factor Hotline (1-855-345-5678) will be updated with relevant audition details.

Sign up now for Audition Information alerts to receive important updates and more audition details.

From the auditions right through to the live performance shows, the duo will follow the contestants and judges onstage and backstage to share the raw emotions and electrifying performances with viewers at home every week.

“These two are going to be great together,” said Simon Cowell. “I have always wanted Steve to work with us; I think he is a real star. Nicole is fantastic. I loved working with her on the U.K. ‘X Factor’ last year. She is gorgeous and super-talented.”

“I am thrilled to be asked by Simon Cowell to host THE X FACTOR,” said Scherzinger. “I loved working alongside Simon on the U.K. show, and cannot wait to see what he has in store for the U.S. I’m so excited to work with Steve Jones and help discover astounding talent from across the country!”

“I couldn’t be happier to be coming onto THE X FACTOR,” said Jones. “The ability to work day in and day out with Simon Cowell is a dream come true. I am honored to have that opportunity and thrilled to be able to share the stage with Nicole Scherzinger, whom I adore. I have been approached about working in the States before, but never felt right about those opportunities. But when THE X FACTOR came up, I lept at the opportunity.”

“Nicole is a triple-threat performer who knows how to captivate an audience, and Steve is an accomplished presenter whose original sense of humor has charmed viewers worldwide. Both possess the unique combination of personality and credibility that we were looking for in our hosts,” said Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “They’re incredibly charismatic, undeniably gorgeous, and fantastic entertainers in their own right.”

“A student of the performing arts since childhood, Nicole Scherzinger is a talent tour de force whose track record spans many creative genres, while Steve Jones is a multi-talented U.K. personality with consummate hosting skills and a signature charm, humor and style that is all his own,” said executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. “I’m very pleased to have them both on board THE X FACTOR, where their respective experiences will bring a special and authentic chemistry to their roles as co-hosts.”

Auditions continue in Dallas, TX, on Thursday, May 26. Now through this Sunday, May 8, hopefuls may also audition in specially built high-definition recording studios in Honolulu, HI; Phoenix, AZ; Nashville, TN; Anchorage, AK; Kansas City, KS; and Denver, CO.

Auditions have been held in Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, Seattle and Chicago. Dallas auditions take place on May 26.

During the open auditions, The X Factor Hotline (1-855-345-5678) will be updated with relevant audition details.

Sign up now for Audition Information alerts to receive important updates and more audition details.