New Zealand Idol (season 1)


The first season of New Zealand Idol was produced by Fremantle Media subsidiary Grundy Television in association with UK company 19TV, and was broadcast on TVNZ in the early half of 2004. The judges were Paul Ellis, Fiona McDonald and Frankie Stevens.

Auditions

The auditions were held at the following locations:
Those who were successful would proceed to the "Top 60" theatre rounds held at the Maidment Theatre in Auckland.

Theatre Week

The successful contestants who made it through to the "Top 60" rounds would spend a gruelling three days at the theatre.
The decision of the final cut to the "Top 24" was delivered to three groups of twelve, with one group being sent home.

Semi-Finals

Group 1

Advancing to the Top 10: Camillia Temple, Ben Lummis and Filipo Saipani
Wildcard Contender: Nigel Withington

Group 2

Advancing to the Top 10: Luke Whaanga, Dave Houma and Michael Murphy
Wildcard Contender: Jessie Cassin

Group 3

Advancing to the Top 10: Robin Johnson, Sela Mahe and Eddie Gaiger
Wildcard Contender: Amanda Boyce

Wildcards

Advancing to the Top 10: Jessie Cassin

Weekly Song Themes

The Top 10 Finalists

Ben Lummis

Ben Lummis was the winner of the first series of New Zealand Idol.

Michael Murphy

Michael Murphy, was runner-up to winner Ben Lummis.

Camillia Temple

Camillia Temple, came third.

Luke Whaanga

Luke Whaanga,, was placed fourth.

Dave Houma

Dave Houma, finished in fifth place.

Eddie Gaiger

Eddie Gaiger, was placed sixth.

Robin Johnson

Robin Johnson, finished in seventh place.

Jessie Cassin

Jessie Cassin, placed eighth. Prior to Idol, Jessie was completing a Bachelor of Music, majoring in Performance Music - Classical.

Sela Mahe

Sela Mahe, finished ninth. She is of Tongan descent.

Filipo Saipani

Filipo Saipani, was placed tenth.

The Grand Final

The final was held on 10 May, with the following performances:





Commercial Releases