UPDATEDx2: Dallas auditions for The X Factor set for May 26

American Idol ain't the only game in town.

With the top 13 finalists performing on American Idol last night, the race to find America's next possible singing superstar is kicking into high gear. And even though new judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez have gotten mostly good reviews (although the quality of their critiques has noticeably declined during live performances), there's sure to be a segment of fans out there that miss original judge Simon Cowell and his unique brand of negativity.

For those of you who fall into that category, you won't have to wait much longer to get your Cowell fix. Cowell's new show, The X Factor (like Idol, it started in England), will hold the first of six auditions in Los Angeles at the end of March. Aspiring singers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area won't have to travel to California to strut their stuff, however; content partner Uncle Barky's Bytes is reporting that the Dallas auditions will take place on Thursday, May 26, with registration beginning at 6 a.m. the previous day. Auditions will be held at the Dallas Convention Center.

The X Factor differs from Idol in that anyone 12 and up can audition, not just those in the limiting 15-28 age range. Also, both individuals and groups are welcome, another significant departure from the Idol format. However, televised auditions are held in front of a huge audience, a la America's Got Talent. Other possible judges include George Michael, Mariah Carey, and, yes, even Cowell's former Idol judge Paula Abdul. No word yet on whether any of the judges will actually be present at any of the audition sites, but I'd come prepared either way.

UPDATE: Until Wednesday afternoon, the X Factor judges were Cheryl Cole, Antonio "L.A." Reid, Simon Cowell, and Paula Abdul. But TMZ is reporting that British singer Cole was replaced with ex-"Pussycat Dolls" singer Nicole Scherzinger, who was previously named as a host. Just in time for Dallas auditions!

UPDATE x2: Not auditioning? You can get free tickets to a taping of The X Factor at the American Airlines Center in Dallas June 21 and 22.