X-Factor stars' road trip to hit Tauranga

Sarah Spicer is looking forward to performing in the city she calls her 'local shopping area'. Photo/supplied

X-FACTOR stars Beau Monga, Sarah Spicer, Stevie Tonks and Joe Irvine play Tauranga this month and will have locals performing alongside them.

Spicer, Tonks and Irvine, who all made the top 10 of this year's series, perform at Mills Reef tomorrow night. A favourite among them will no doubt be Waihi's Spicer, who recently performed as support to US artist Michael Bolton.

She was also the last person to record with world blues legend John Lee Hooker before his death.

Spicer and some of her fellow X-Factor competitors have been on the road touring through Northland.

"It's challenging. I've got to keep my vocals on track," she said.

"It's so much fun. I'm honestly living my dream. I'm so lucky."

Spicer said she was looking forward to playing in Tauranga, which she considered her "local shopping area".

The trio are also selecting one act from each region to be the opening act on the night of the show based on videos uploaded to the Do It Records Facebook page. "I'd love to help a local act have a crowd and have that opportunity."

She was also looking forward to playing a duet with Irvine during the Tauranga show. Irvine made headlines when Natalie Kills and Willy Moon were sacked as judges on the show for their notorious remarks. Since then he has had praise from the likes of Lorde and Ed Sheeran.

Tonks placed fourth in this year's competition. He has already achieved three top-10 singles and is currently in the recording studio working on his own original music. The tour will enable fans to hear some of his new songs for the first time.

Later this month, this year's winner Beau Monga will perform at the Mauao Performing Arts Centre. The 21-year-old beat boxer, singer and dancer's visit will be part of the King and Queen Aotearoa Tour which covers the length of New Zealand.

Joining him on tour will be a live band, dance crew and local youth talent from each city.
Monga said he was looking forward to performing in Tauranga and was still recruiting some local acts to play at the show. Hamilton band Crowd Control will also be performing.

the fine print
What: King and Queen Aotearoa Tour
Who: Beau Monga
When: September 17, 6pm
Where: Mauao Performing Arts Centre
Tickets: Dash Tickets or Ticketek

What: Up Close and Live Tour 2015
Who: Sarah Spicer, Stevie Tonks and Joe Irvine
When: Tomorrow, 7pm
Where: Mills Reef
Tickets: Eventfinda