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They've been criticised by commentators and viewers, but Stars in their Eyes contestants are a hit with a Kiwi lookalike company.
Caroline Lekstrom, who performed as Shakira, and Lili Latham, who appeared as Blondie singer Debbie Harry, have been snapped up by Tornado Management.
Owner and director Gary Brown, himself an Austin Powers performer, said the show had been great for increasing the profile of impersonators in New Zealand.
Brown had 10 contestants on his books before the show started, including Freddie Mercury (Steve Larkins), Billy Joel (Deryn Trainer) and Neil Diamond (Brett Wallace), and had his eye on more newcomers yet to appear on air.
Brown said he was drawn to Lekstrom and Latham's down-to-earth attitudes and their potential to improve.
"You can definitely see the difference between the professionals and the Joe Bloggs in this competition, but I'm sure that within a year [these new performers] will be very well-polished."
He had two bookings for Latham and had some on the cards for Swedish-born Lekstrom too. "There's a great future for all of them, especially if you can diversify, because as theatrical people in New Zealand, that's what you need to do," said Brown.
Despite negative reaction to the show, Brown said he had received many texts and emails from people in the industry excited about its impact.
Stars in their Eyes is still one of the country's top five highest-rating shows with an average audience of 740,000, according to AGB Nielsen Media Research.
There are four more heats before the grand final.
