Shocked winner of Lexus Song Quest bags $20,000 in his first ever competition

The winner of the 2018 Lexus Song Quest, Joel Amosa. Photo / Norrie Montgomery

Auckland-based singer Joel Amosa knocked off New Zealand's biggest singing prize, the Lexus Song Quest, on Saturday night - not a bad effort given it's the first major competition he's entered.

Emotions of disbelief, shock and amazement overwhelmed the 28-year-old when his name was read out, Amosa told the Herald.

"I remember hearing my name and thinking 'are you sure?' It was unexpected for me, I was completely lost for words - in shock - on stage.

"I was happy with how I sung but wasn't sure if it was enough to get over the line.

"It was my first time winning any form of singing competition ever and it just so happens to be a big one," he said.

The bass-baritone picked up his musical gifts as a child, learning piano and singing in the church choir growing up and then perfecting his craft at high school and university.

Amosa couldn't believe it when his name was read out. Photo / Norrie Montgomery

A regional admin manager for ASB Bank by day, Amosa waits until the weekend to express his talents.

He says while it's sometimes hard to juggle work full time and his passion for performing part-time, he's always combining the two.

"I'm always humming, it's a bad habit ... especially when I've got something on, just humming those tunes to get them in my head.

"It has led to a few performances at work. We've actually started up an ASB voices choir and we perform at Easter and Christmas, and language weeks throughout the year," he said.

Taking out the competition, Amosa walks away with a cash prize of $20,000, a study scholarship worth another $27,000 and international travel to the value of $3000.

The newly married Amosa said there would be a few "tough conversations" about what he would spend his prize money on, but he was definitely going to enjoy it.

For up-and-comers, Amosa said hard work was the key to success.

"There is no substitute for hard work. Patience and perseverance are going to be your best friends - things don't happen overnight so put your head down and do the work.

"The rewards are great. Enjoy them when they happen," he said.