'X FACTOR' AUTO THEFT BABY YOU CAN'T DRIVE MY CAR!

He went from Smokey Robinson to Smokey and the Bandit in less than 30 minutes -- a contestant on "X Factor" stole a car after his audition and went on a crazy chase before he was subdued.

Orrion Wilson from Florida -- of course -- was plum out of money after his audition near New Orleans. He didn't have enough for bus fare, so he went to a gas station ... lying in wait ... until a chump left his car running and went inside for cigarettes or something. Wilson took off in the car and led cops on a 75-mph chase, which ended with the rusty trusty "pit maneuver."

Wilson told authorities he did well in the audition and expected to return for round 2 in NYC, but needed some wheels to get there.

Wilson is still in custody.

If he doesn't get on "X Factor" ... he's perfect for "Fast & Furious 7.