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.Day One: Contestants, in groups of six, were to sing in turn, a cappella, a song of their own choice. At the end of the day, twelve were sent home, leaving 48 remaining.Day Two: Trio performances would test the contestants' teamwork skills, with the guys performing Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds", while the girls would perform the Burt Bacharach classic "I Say a Little Prayer." At the end of this, the group was once more reduced by a further 12.Day Three: The remaining 36 contestants have one last opportunity to impress the judges. Once again they were to perform solo,, in front of the judges and all other remaining contestants.
The decision of the final cut to the "Top 24" was delivered to three groups of twelve, with one group being sent home.

Top 24

Group 1

Nigel Withington – "Right Here Waiting" by Richard MarxChristine Hutt – "Think Twice" by Celine DionCamillia Temple – "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)" by Whitney HoustonKarly Ryder – "Not That Kind" by AnastaciaFaaose "Oz" Aneru – "Against All Odds" by Phil CollinsBen Lummis – "Back at One" by Brian McKnightEmily Kay – "Respect" by Aretha FranklinFilipo Saipani – "Still" by Brian McKnight
Advancing to the Top 10: Camillia Temple, Ben Lummis and Filipo Saipani
'''Wildcard Contender: Nigel Withington'''

Group 2

Ngahekenga Growcott – "The Voice Within" by Christina AguileraGemma Russell – "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye & Tammi TerrellInangaro Tangianau – "Everything Is Everything" by Lauryn HillSam Cowley-Lupo – "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous BrothersJessie Cassin – "Angel" by Sarah McLachlanLuke Whaanga – "The Greatest Love of All" by Whitney HoustonDave Houma – "Yesterday Once More" by The CarpentersMichael Murphy – "Drive" by Incubus
Advancing to the Top 10: Luke Whaanga, Dave Houma and Michael Murphy
'''Wildcard Contender: Jessie Cassin'''

Group 3

Alana Plews – "Come On Over" by Christina AguileraRobin Johnson – "Ribbon in the Sky" by Stevie WonderAmanda Boyce – "Because You Loved Me" by Celine DionLee Fidow – "Incomplete" by SisqóLemuel Misa – "Every Time I Close My Eyes" by Babyface / Backstreet BoysSela Mahe – "How Come You Don't Call Me?" by Alicia KeysAriana Roberts – "You Don't Know My Name" by Alicia KeysEddie Gaiger – "Drift Away" by Dobie Gray
Advancing to the Top 10: Robin Johnson, Sela Mahe and Eddie Gaiger
'''Wildcard Contender: Amanda Boyce'''

Wildcards

Nigel Withington – "Lady in Red" by Chris de BurghJessie Cassin – "Something Good" by Bic RungaAmanda Boyce – "Amazing Grace"
'''Advancing to the Top 10: Jessie Cassin'''

The Top 10 Contestants

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, was the last contestant sent home.

Luke Whaanga

Luke Whaanga,, was the seventh contestant sent home.

Dave Houma

David "Dave" Houma, was the sixth contestant sent home.

Eddie Gaiger

Edward "Eddie" Gaiger, was the fifth contestant sent home.

Robin Johnson

Robin Johnson, was the fourth contestant sent home.

Jessie Cassin

Jessica "Jessie" Cassin, was the third contestant sent home. Prior to Idol, Jessie was completing a Bachelor of Music, majoring in Performance Music – Classical.

Sela Mahe

Sela Mahe, was the second contestant sent home. She is of Tongan descent.

Filipo Saipani

Filipo Saipani, was the first contestant sent home.

The Grand Final

The final was held on 10 May, with the following performances:The Top 10: "Kids" by Robbie Williams and Kylie MinogueLuke Whaanga: "Sitting Inside My Head" by SupergrooveBen Lummis: "They Can't Take That Away" 'Eddie Gaiger: "Somebody To Love" by QueenCamillia Temple: "Purple Rain" by PrinceMichael Murphy: "They Can't Take That Away" 'Jessie Cassin: "Drive" by Bic RungaFiona McDonald & Frankie Stevens: "Somethin' Stupid" by Frank Sinatra and Nancy SinatraRobin Johnson: "Cry Me A River" by Justin TimberlakeFilipo Saipani: "Whenever You Call" by Brian McKnightSela Mahe: "How Come You Don't Call Me?" by Alicia KeysMichael Murphy: "Wherever You Will Go" by The CallingBen Lummis: "American Woman" by Lenny KravitzDave Houma: "Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)" by Elton JohnBen Lummis: "They Can't Take That Away"