Idol spotlight dims on third finalist

Steve Broad

This Sunday's final showdown for the New Zealand Idol crown is between two seasoned entertainers.

Nik Carlson and Rosita Vai were propelled into the grand final after the public last night voted off 19-year-old Steve Broad, from Invercargill.

Carlson, 26, from Masterton, started country and western singing before primary school and later joined the Wairarapa Country Club, where he has won several competitions. He lives in Auckland and is studying to be a radio DJ.

Vai, 24, is an experienced performer with classical singing training, and regularly sings for the Samoan St Johns Methodist Parish in Auckland.

They each made an impression on the TV series Showstoppers in 2002, and share a fondness for Mariah Carey and Beyonce Knowles. Last month Carlson was betting agency Centrebet's favourite to win and Vai was third favourite.

Last night the judges paid tribute to the final three contestants before picking Steve Broad to be the one heading home. The public agreed and voted him off after the round of love songs.