NZ Idol began with less of a bang than last time, but it is still defying critics who dismiss it as a karaoke competition with flash lights by remaining one of the most popular shows on telly.
On Sunday night, 615,200 people watched the second group of eight strut their stuff - about 11,000 more than the same episode last year, according to AGB Nielsen Media Research ratings.
Last night the public voted three more idol-hopefuls, sure to become household names in the following weeks, into the final 10.
It was a clean sweep for the girls, with Rosita Vai, 24, from Auckland, Shelley Paikea, 23, from Pukekohe, and Ashley Cooper, 17, from Cambridge, all progressing. The public voted Ashley in despite the judges all saying they thought Christchurch contestant Lissel Stewart would go through instead.
Another three will be voted in next week, with a wildcard entry to the top 10 up for grabs the following week.
In all, an average of 180,000 fewer viewers watched each of the first three episodes of Idol 2 than last year's Idol.
The higher ratings for the first Idol have been attributed to its novelty factor.
As with last year, it is again popular with younger viewers in the 18 to 49 age bracket, especially women.
Novelty over but 'Idol 2' still popular
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