POPSTARS NZ

 In April 2021, TVNZ debuted a second series of Popstars. Unlike the first 1999 series, the new show focused on individual artists — both solo artists and groups of any gender and age, and placed its emphasis on original songwriting from the performers themselves.

The show involved a panel of three experts, headed by Kimbra, who is joined by Nathan King and Vince Harder. In the auditions phase, the singers are first assessed by vocal coaches Bella Kalolo and Jeremy Redmore.

The series was won by Auckland based singer/songwriter Christabel Williams, who took home the $100,000 prize to continue her musical career.

Songbroker was proud to license Marianne Leigh’s song ‘Apologise’ and Grace Kelly’s ‘Before & After’ which these two artists performed in their auditions.

Winner, Christabel performed a cover of Goodshirt’s ‘Sophie’, and Nathan King’s track ‘Never Too Late’ was licensed twice – once in his introduction segment as a judge, and again when his music video was played as an example piece.

It was wonderful to see local music showcased in such a way. Ngā mihi nui.