Idol judge urges voting caution

Frankie Stevens (L) said people needed to think hard before making their choice. Picture / Herald on Sunday

NZ Idol judge Frankie Stevens is urging fans of the show to think carefully before voting after the shock elimination of favourite Rebecca Wright.

After Sunday night's Elton John special, "Becks", 24, was placed in the bottom two, along with Indira Moala. Wright was eliminated on Monday.

"I would have thought that Indira and Becks would have been pretty safe. They are certainly among the best performers," Stevens said.

"Voters are making their choice on the 'one strike, you're out' theory. That makes it tough, especially if you have an average night. People just need to think hard before they make their choice."

With Wright gone from the competition, Stevens believed Matt Saunoa was now probably odds-on to win the title. "He is one of the best in the competition. Let's see if he can keep the pressure on. He wants it pretty bad," Stevens said.

Wright said "shock eliminations" were part of the deal when it came to Idol. She hoped the exposure helped her achieve her dream of a career in the music industry.

"I thought the voters might give me a break for one bad week, but it wasn't to be. That's just how it goes."

She would now return to singing with her band, Mermaids, and predicted the title would be closely fought between Moala, Toni Baird and Ben Hazelwood.