A new galaxy of performing stars could brighten the New Zealand entertainment scene if the auditions held last fortnight in Auckland, New Plymouth and Christchurch are any indication.
The initial contests, held as a part of Star of New Zealand Reality TV Show demonstrated the inherent talent in the community and the enthusiasm of the participants representing various age groups.
Auckland Auditions
The Show’s partners Vinay Mehta, Viraf Todywalla and Jayesh Bateriwala were ‘somewhat nervous’ at the Dorothy Winstone Centre of Auckland Girls Grammar School on July 10 where the first auditions were held.
“This was the first of our Reality Shows and we were keen to ensure that nothing went wrong,” Mr Todywalla, Director of V4U Entertainments Limited and Show Manager said.
He need not have worried. The judging panel (comprising Satend Sharma, Gina T, Mumta Gounder and Ashish Ramakrishnan) appeared to have enjoyed the experience along with the participants and the audience.
Among the winners were Amanda S (Singer & Guitarist), Arun Iyer (Singer), Azhar Adam (Dancer), Devansh (Dancer), Geerthana & Dirya N (Musicians), Harry Singh (Dholi & Singer), Himanshu Sehgaonkar (Dancer), Jahanvi Sharma (Singer), Jignal Patel (Dancer), Jyoti Singh (Singer), Subhesh Chandra (Dancer), Rahul Chopra (Dancer) Rozlyn Ali (Dancer), Rushabh (Actor & Musician), Shanil Singh (Dancer), Sneha Rajiv (Dancer) and Vikash Lal (Singer).
Christchurch Contest
As the Auckland auditions were underway, Mr Bateriwala flew to Christchurch to join the local judges June Young, Manik Paranjape and Padmakar Shevde to evaluate the performance of 19 aspirants.
Event Coordinator Shaji Thomas said the Christchurch based Indian Social & Cultural Club (chch) Inc organised the event to identify talent in South Island and integrate the winners with the main event open to ethnic groups throughout the country.
“Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker and Mayoress Joanna Nicholls-Parker were among the Guests of Honour at the contest, at which Shawn Thomas and his student Praj Patel won respectively the Star of Christchurch and the Best Performance of the Year Awards,” he said.
Anju Peter won the Little Star of the Year Award.
New Plymouth
Auditions held in New Plymouth the following day amused Mr Todywalla who was in the judging panel along with Marlaina Curtis, Anand Rose and Tracey.
“The talent among our youngsters was truly fascinating,” he said.
Ms Curtis, who was also the Event Coordinator, said there were 30 contestants of who 21 reached the quarterfinals and 12 qualified for semi-finals.
The following were the winners:
Adam Uncles (Singer & Musician), Amy Finnigan (Dancer), Cameron Hardcastle & Tayla Hart (Singers & Musicians), CeCe (Singer), Fullphat Katoure (Dance Group), Ilaitia (Singer & Piano Player), Kara and Katelyn Hann (Singers Twins), Karl Austin (Singer & Musician), Katie Rudd (Dancer), Philip Smith (Singer & Musician), Precision (Dance Group) and Stephanie Piquette (Singer & Guitarist).
Mr Todywalla said selected candidates will perform on Triangle Television on Saturdays between July 31 and August 28 at 1030 am.
Following the semi-finals on August 14 at Dorothy Winstone Centre, the grand finale will be held at the same venue on September 25.
The Ultimate Entertainer of the Year (Star of New Zealand) will qualify for a car as the main prize.
Editor’s Note: Spelling of names as supplied by Show Manager.
Photo :
1. Twins Kara & Katelyn Hann in Auckland
2. Anju Peter, Praj Patel & Shawn Thomas in Christchurch
3. Katie Rudd in New Plymouth
