Idols begin countdown for top-10 as fever grips country

New Zealand Idol fever has gripped the country again as the first three of 10 finalists were chosen from the top 24 on Monday.

The hopefuls sure to become household names in coming weeks are Steven Broad, 19, from Invercargill, Frank Andrews, 20, from Rotorua, and Keshia Paulse, 20, from West Auckland.

The three, whom the public voted in from a choice of eight singers, are the first through to the final in a show that assures the winner a music contract and instant celebrity status.

Fans will select three more finalists next week, and another three the week after that. The judges will then choose contenders for the public to vote to get the "wild card" entry to complete the top 10.

Last year's final attracted nearly one million viewers and was won by Ben Lummis.

- STAFF REPORTER