Four unique artists have emerged as the finalists in the Rotorua's Got Talent search for local entertainers to take the stage at the inaugural Mudtopia Festival as well as Rhythm & Vines in Gisborne.
They are Nunilon III with his "popping dance performance", Feels Souls Good with their original music, singer-rapper-songwriter Shaquille Graham and the band Hailstones.
Judge Sarah Lewis said the judging panel was impressed with the passion shown by all finalists and the choice to narrow down to one winner, to be announced on Friday, was a task they were not taking lightly.
"It's a big opportunity to be able to perform in front of live crowds on a professional stage setting in not one, but two amazing summer festivals," said Lewis. "This prize could very well change the course of the winner's performing career so we are giving our final selection a great deal of thought."
Mudtopia runs from December 1 to 3 at Arawa Park racecourse in Rotorua while Rhythm & Vines is on from December 29 to 31.