Jackie Clarke tipped for ‘NZ Idol’ vacancy

Jackie Clarke

Singer and entertainer Jackie Clarke is tipped to be named the new New Zealand Idol judge as the second series draws nearer.

NZ Idol publicists are keeping quiet, but sources say Clarke has been chosen to take the place of Fiona McDonald, who is pregnant.

The decision comes after Frankie Stevens and Paul Ellis were confirmed last week as judges for their second season. Dominic Bowden will again be the show's host.

Clarke's musical pedigree will come under scrutiny but viewers will be more interested in how the queen of cabaret shapes up as a tough critic.

"Regan", founder of the fan website Idolblog, said the panel still lacked the experience of those in Australia and the US.

"Where they have a record company executive, a producer and a credible pop artist, we have an executive and, with respect, two artists who have limited experience in the pop music industry.

"All artists think they are going to have a No 1 hit but the record companies make those decisions. Having 66 per cent of the critique from artists isn't what they need to be hearing."

Clarke knows the ropes of the entertainment world - she was in kitsch trio When the Cat's been Spayed, and has judging experience, on TV One's Showcase. She acted in TV3's comedy series Skitz and sitcom The Semisis, has presented documentaries, and is a regular at events such as Christmas in the Park.

She has stage experience, and has recently taken to children's theatre.

But can the woman who brought Hairy McClary and Underwater Melon Man alive for the nation's children cut it as a judge for NZ Idol?

Regan is not expecting fireworks. "I'm sure Jackie will add a nice, soft, motherly tone to the show but I'm not convinced that is what it needs."

Idol judges are meant to be as much a part of the entertainment as the singing.

Last year's panel all got along nicely enough, prompting Herald critic Michele Hewitson to bemoan the lack of spatting.

Idolblog listed Clarke, Jo Cotton, Tadpole's Renee Brennan, Tina Cross, and Moana as options to take McDonald's place.

NZ Idol auditions will be held in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch in June. The show begins on TV2 in July.