TV ad announcing 'Idol' winner a mistake

A television advert that screened this afternoon announcing Rosita as the winner of NZ Idol was "completely human error," says TV2.

Online fansites and message boards dedicated to the singing contest have run hot with debate since the ad aired shortly before 2pm.

Voting does not close until tonight, with the winner announced in a live broadcast.

But the ad, on TV2, said: "Congratulations to the New Zealand Idol Rosita."

TVNZ spokeswoman Amy Todd said two promotion ads had been recorded - one congratulating Rosita Vai and the other announcing Nik Carlson as the winner.

"Someone actually put the Rosita promo on in error," she said. "It's very unfortunate and I'm sure the person will be getting a good talking to."

Ms Todd said the promotions were made in advance so they were prepared to run as soon as the votes were counted. That would happen tonight as part of the live show and no-one would know the winner until then, she said.

Twenty-four-year-old Rosita and Nik, 26, will discover which of them is the second Idol competition winner tonight.