Music News - Former stars tipped to judge 'NZ Idol'
15 December 2003 - 0 Comments
Former pop stars Ray Columbus and Fiona McDonald, and ex-Sony Music boss Paul Ellis are understood to be strong contenders for the NZ Idol judging panel.
Columbus, whose band the Invaders became famous in the 60s and who later managed rock-pop band Zed, would not say if he had been approached by the show's producers. "I will be able to comment at a later time," he said.
McDonald, who fronted pop bands the Headless Chickens and Strawpeople in the 90s and last year presented TV One series The Big Art Trip, also said she could not comment until further down the track.
Ellis was unavailable for comment but insiders say the former vice-president of Sony Music Publishing is highly likely to be in the final three. It also makes sense as BMG, which is releasing albums by the winners of NZ Idol, looks set to merge with Sony.
NZ Idol executive producer Andrew Shaw said the judges must have credibility, experience in the music or performing arts, be well-spoken and be able to perform under the pressures of television.
"We compiled a lengthy list of people who had [those attributes] and then we started refining that and doing some testing and working on combinations and relationships," he said.
He also confirmed he was looking for someone with an acerbic wit who could play the "bad guy" role taken in the American and Australian versions by Simon Cowell and Ian Dickson.
Erika Takacs, music show presenter and former member of made-for-TV band TrueBliss, said she would like to see Dave Dobbyn, one of the Finn brothers and a female such as McDonald as judges but denied rumours she had been approached.
NZ Idol publicist Jacqui Loates said some people had suggested Shaw would make a good judge. "But I don't think he could cope with being executive producer and a judge. I can safely say that will not happen."
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