NZ Idol audition a family affair

Nikki Langton, 19, of Taranaki had 7-month-old son Dauntae and brother Dale, 9, along to support him yesterday. Picture / Brett Phibbs

The hunt is on for two people at the NZ Idol auditions: the next Idol, and this year's anti-Idol - the "na-na-na-na" guy who got more air time than the actual contenders last year.

No one looked like a na-na-na suspect in a first trawl outside the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre in Manukau, where 1000 people waited to audition.

But there was an Australian Idol Guy Sebastian lookalike - if you squinted hard enough.

Nikki Langton said he had the 'fro as well - "just a tiny one" - and flicked back his beanie to reveal 2cm-long curls.

The 19-year-old came from Taranaki armed with Flying without Wings and a phalanx of supporters - his partner, his baby boy Dauntae, his mum and two little brothers, who rated his chances with a "he's okay".

He was ready to impress the judges with a big scarf to keep his throat warm "and I've been drinking hot water and taking lozenges, like the guidelines said".

Another of his voice protections was more likely to knock the judges out than impress them.

"I've been stuffing him with garlic," his mum Helen said. "In case he got a cold."

Fortunately, it all worked out. After singing a line or two the judges told him to come back the next day.

"They weren't scary, the producers, they were very nice. They said I've got a nice voice and, well done, we'll see you tomorrow."

This was his first audition for Idol. Last year he was waiting for the birth of his son. Since then he has been the stay-at-home dad while his partner studied.

"I've always wanted to sing, but since the baby I've been busy.

"I'm actually relaxed about this, I think because I've watched every Idol since I was 16 ... I'm ready for it and I don't want to waste any time."

But time has already been called on Amieleigh Collins.

The judges sent her back to Napier after her rendition of Just Another Sad Love Song, telling her her voice was not strong enough but to try again next year.

She had arrived the night before and slept by the centre doors with about 13 other contestants.

Amieleigh was a bit teary, but thought the decision was fair.

"The judges are professional and know what they're talking about. "

If those this year are nervous, they have good reason.

Chief judge Paul Ellis has one Idol under his belt and he's learned a thing or two. "I'm probably going to be more critical this time round. I won't stand for some of the shenanigans of last time ... "

Be warned.

Star Making

* New Zealand Idol starts in July.

* 15,000 applied to audition.

* About 5000 chosen to audition in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch over next two weeks.

* After callbacks, 60 are chosen by judges to travel to Auckland to perform over three days.

* Judges whittle it down to 24.

* They perform in groups of eight live on television over three episodes.

* Three from each group is voted by the public into the finals.

* Audience picks one wildcard from a group chosen by the judges.

* Ten finalists perform one night and the elimination round happens the next night.

* One finalist is voted out by the audience after each episode.

* One is made Idol.