'Idol' finalists down to 8 as Mahe shown door

By NATASHA HARRIS

Mangere teenager Sela Mahe is the second NZ Idol finalist to be voted off the wannabe superstar show, whittling finalists down to eight.

The 17-year-old Tongan, who sang Ardijah's Time Makes The Wine on Sunday night's television programme, was still full of smiles as she sang the song to say goodbye.

Judge Paul Ellis had warned on Sunday night's show that he wasn't sure how long Mahe would last in the contest and the NZ Idol fansite, www.idolblog.com, once again correctly predicted who would go.

Joining her in the bottom three were Robin Johnson, 18, and wild-card entry 18-year-old Jessie Cassin.

Johnson shed a tear in nervousness as he and Mahe cuddled while they waited to hear who would be dumped on national television.

Idol fans have been posting notes on the internet hoping Johnson, who sang Don't Dream It's Over by Crowded House, would make the bottom two as he was too cocky.

On Sunday Ellis told him: "Don't let your confidence get in the way."

Before the eviction announcement, fans and judges agreed Luke Whaanga, 20, was the most impressive performer on Sunday's show.

He, Johnson, Cassin and the other remaining finalists, Ben Lummis, Camillia Temple, Dave Houma, Michael Murphy and Eddie Gaiger, will show off their glitter next week in a disco special.