Search on for judges

Joe Cotton. Photo / Supplied

Who will filter through New Zealand's raw, undiscovered musical talent and launch the next big thing on the unsuspecting public?

TV3 has not yet begun the hunt for this country's Sharon Osbourne, Cheryl Cole, Dannii Minogue, Louis Walsh - let alone the grumpy Simon Cowell.

The format of this line-up - hot female singer, a band manager and a take-no-prisoners mean guy - leaves the doors wide open for all kinds of Kiwi talent.

New Zealand Idol judge Paul Ellis was described as "grumpy" after the show's second season, making him a contender for Cowell's chief judge position.

Peter Urlich would fit the bill in Walsh's role, but his dry humour and quick wit would also serve him well as a "mean" judge.

As for the "hot female singer", New Zealand has a few to choose from., including Anika Moa, Bic Runga, Gin Wigmore and Ladyhawke.

Then there's always the ex-True Bliss stars to bring back into the limelight.

Joe Cotton has kept her place in the entertainment industry working on radio, and can poke fun at people in a ratings-gathering way.

Can she blend cutting sarcasm with motherly care for young singers, like Sharon Osbourne? Almost certainly.

Her former bandmate Carly Binding definitely has the looks to carry off a role on the judging panel.

Kiwi soprano and all-round good girl Hayley Westenra would be unlikely to take a seat at the judge's table, and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa would certainly turn up her nose.