"But in saying that, I'm way more nervous than I was the first time."
He wasn't the only one battling the nerves, and the cold.
Hopefuls queued outside, some for more than an hour, waiting to show off their talent in front of the producers in a bid to make it to the televised stage where they will perform in front of four well-known judges.
Myra-Dawn Spooner, 17, was planning to blow producers away with her rendition of Loving You by Michael Jackson.
"I decided to audition today because I've always wanted to be a singer. I want to be a role model for young girls who have been through some tough times. I guess I just want to inspire people," she said.
Myra-Dawn auditioned last year, but said her nerves got the best of her. This time she hoped for a better performance.
Another auditioner, well-known Rotorua singer Stella Maris, said she hoped the audition process would help her get the exposure she needed to make a bigger name for herself.
"I love the audition experience, it's so valuable and you learn so much from it," she said.
Rotorua is one of 13 locations where pre-auditions are being held.
Co-executive producer John McDonald said there was a "great turnout" with people coming from Taupo, Whakatane and even Gisborne.
"There were plenty of good prospects too," he said.
