Does Kat Have ‘The X Factor’?

Elysian Sex Drive lead singer Katherine Derr

She’s a beloved local rock star that’s done a ton for the Sarasota music scene. Now she’s taking her talent to the big leagues.

Katherine Derr (or Kat White Star) the singer for Elysian Sex Drive and co-founder of the “Noise Ordinance” project, flies out on Tuesday for Dallas to audition for the “The X Factor.” An “American Idol”-esque TV talent show, it is the brainchild of Simon Cowell, and the tryouts are Thursday.

“I saw the info. online and I thought, ‘Well, I would have auditioned for ‘American Idol’ if it had been around when I was younger and qualified,’” Derr said. “Now that Simon has brought his show to America, and there are no age restrictions, I thought ‘Hot damn! It’s time to test myself and push to do something that really scares me.”

So … is she nervous?

“Oh my God, yes! Fortunately, I have been singing on stage and in front of people for about 30 years,” Derr said. “If I don’t make it, at least I will have tried. I think that’s the most important thing for me – just believing that I can do it and taking a risk!”

And if she makes it through the auditions, she’s not allowed to spill. Cross your fingers, fans, and wish Derr a down-home Sarasota “break a leg”!