Idol fans' high-pitch frenzy

Auckland's St James theatre has seen its fair share of shows over the years, but the frenzied crowd's screams last night were enough to rival even the rowdiest of rock gigs.

Thousands of die-hard fans shouted, clapped and waved their tinsel-clad banners like their lives depended on it.

And that was just for the warm up act. As host Dominic Bowden took the stage, issuing strict instructions on when to clap (always), when to smile (always) and when to be quiet (never), the audience was treated to a unique inside-look at the "magic" of television.

It took four takes before Bowden's "live" intro was up to scratch.

After some more instructions - cheer for Frankie and Megan; boo for Stables - the show finally got underway, but it was another two hours before the audience found what they came for, their next NZ Idol.

Emotions ran high as Matt and Indira held hands waiting for the country's verdict. As the week's passed leading up to the final, the close-run race had tightened to the point where no one could predict who would take away the title.

Matt had performed strongly and consistently every week, his friendly and humble demeanour winning over thousands of New Zealanders.

Indira had been more of a late bloomer, but during her final performance of Beyonce's Crazy in Love, the Auckland singer shook her moneymaker like the Bootylicious diva herself, whipping the audience into a frenzied fever pitch.

But would it be a case of too little, too late?

Alas, it was. As Bowden read out the 21-year-old Levin singer's name, the theatre erupted with cheering, leaving a disappointed and desolate Indira to skulk quietly off stage.

As Matt launched into song, performing his new single Hold On, you couldn't help but feel the right person had won the competition.

And just like that, it was over. The crowd petered out into the wet and windy night, content with result and happy to have their new favourite Idol ... Until next year at least.