AROUND 60 singers in search of stardom braved the rain to be in with a shot of representing Barry Island in the X factor 2014.

The first hopeful arrived at 6am and sat in his car awaiting the first sign of a queue outside the former tourist information centre – ready for the juggernaut that was the talent show’s mobile auditions.

Traders blamed bad weather for the washout turnout rather than a lack of Barry talent.

But it was a junior doctor from the hospital in Bournemouth, who used her day off from work to begin her musical journey to Barry, having started off at 3am, who wowed the two producers she sang before.

26-year-old Ciara Vizzard will now audition in Cardiff and if successful will have further camera tests and a chance of standing before Simon Cowell.

Ciara, who has entered twice before and got through to the fourth round in the girls category, would this year be eligible for the overs category.

She sang Ed Sheeran’s I See Fire and played the guitar.

Ciara said: “I really want this – this is my dream. It’s such a relief.”

Other hopefuls, who weren’t successful on this occasion, included Faye Elizabeth, 24, of Barry, who sang Make You Feel My Love by Adele.

She said: “It was in Barry and on my doorstep and my boyfriend said: “It’s in Barry. You are going.”

“I’ve always dreamed about doing it.”

Part-time Home Bargains employee Paige-Nicole Ryan sang I 'Aint Got You by Alicia Keyes.

The 20-year-old said: “I’ve done a few competitions, but nothing like this and coming to Barry it’s a good opportunity for people around here. You don’t have to go to Cardiff.

“It was a really tough crowd in there.”

30-year-old AJ, of Barry Waterfront, said he had been singing for 12 years and now was the time to find out whether he was any good or not and 16-year-old Keiron Dimond sang a James Arthur song.

He said he was, as well as hoping to get through, using the experience to improve his confidence.