Music News - New Zealand Idol
23 September 2003 - 0 Comments
First we tuned in en masse to American Idol. Then we suffered through Australian Idol. Now here comes the logical conclusion: NZ Idol.
The TVNZ-commissioned show, based on the top-rating international format in which members of the public decide who wins a lucrative record deal, will go to air next year on TV2.
As reported by the Herald in July, BMG Records will be releasing albums by the winners of the show.
Producers South Pacific Pictures are working with Grundy Television, the team behind Australian Idol, which TV2 is showing.
American Idol has been one of the biggest shows in TV history - and the biggest in the era of manufactured singing-star shows that started with New Zealand's own 1999 girl-group documentary Popstars and the short-lived TrueBliss. That format sold to 25 countries.
NZ Idol producers are now selecting a panel of judges, who overseas have become as known as the contestants.
Since Pop Idol premiered in Britain two years ago, 12 winners have been crowned in 10 countries.
American Idol topped the ratings in the United States, drawing 20 million viewers per episode. In New Zealand the finale attracted 684,000 viewers.
Possible judging material
Six Kiwis we think have the credentials to be NZ Idol judges:
Gray Bartlett - Accused the New Zealand music establishment of ignoring top-selling performers like his charge, Hayley Westenra. Knows what "gets bums on seats".
Dean Hapeta - Is as feisty as he is opinionated, whether it's through his old group Upper Hutt Posse, his films or his party antics.
Dave Dobbyn - Doesn't mince his words. Declared that those responsible for TVNZ's Big Night In should be "shot at dawn ". With views like that ...
Ian Fraser - Would get on famously with Dave Dobbyn. Has past experience on Showcase.
Pam Corkery - Not a musician but would have no qualms telling someone not to give up their day job. And she's free now that her TV One show has been axed.
Those whose names we can't remember from TrueBliss - Everyone deserves a career after being on one of these shows.
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- APT.
ROSÉ And Bruno Mars - DIE WITH A SMILE
Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars - BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Billie Eilish - TASTE
Sabrina Carpenter - I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
Gracie Abrams - ESPRESSO
Sabrina Carpenter - SAILOR SONG
Gigi Perez - LOSE CONTROL
Teddy Swims - A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
Shaboozey - GOOD LUCK, BABE!
Chappell Roan
More Content on muzic.net.nz
Google Site Search
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report A Problem
There are currently no comments for this article. Please log in to add new comments.