Auditions for Louis Walsh's new boy band have gone exceptionally well, the X-Factor judge has told Hot Press.

"We got some fantastic talent at the auditions," Louis said last night, after a day spent talent-spotting at Dublin's Button Factory, "including some really good musicians for a change. There were guys who could really play. It's really encouraging."

Walsh will see a total of around 500 auditionees over the course of 48 hours, with singers coming from far and wide in the hopes of impressing the music mogul.

So far, no binding decisions have been made as to the composition of the planned new outfit. "We have about a hundred call-backs," the man who guided Boyzone, Samantha Mumba and Westlife to huge international success explained. Those call-backs will see the line-up of possible contenders being reduced again, with a further intensive decision-making process taking place before the final line-up is decided.

"We might even form two groups," Louis added, hinting at the possibility of a rockier outfit to hit the trail alongside the planned pop band.

Watch this space.