Sarah Spicer and Stevie Tonks: Do pair have X Factor?

Sarah Spicer was a crowd favourite on X Factor New Zealand's second series and will tour with fellow performer Stevie Tonks.

Two X Factor finalists are going from TV screens to local stages.

Sarah Spicer and Stevie Tonks generated thousands of new fans in the show's second New Zealand series.

The pair, who were voted into the top 12, are now taking their talent on the road for a 17-stop nationwide tour.

Spicer has had more than 1.1 million views of her X Factor performance and recently opened for US star Michael Bolton, who called her "one of the best warm-up artists" he had seen in many years.

She's also the last person known to have recorded with blues legend John Lee Hooker, who appeared on her debut album Colours.

Despite a shock exit from X Factor the experience has opened doors and allowed her to flourish. "I think I've earned the right to play in front of big audiences which is really exciting - I want to promote my music and do it on a bigger scale, and now I've got the contacts to do that," she said. "That's only going to help my career.

"A lot of people know who I am, a lot think it was unjust the way that I went, which is a good thing, so a lot of people probably want to hear more."

After playing only covers during the shows, she was keen to get back to her own work and has gone on to make one video and is working on another.

Tonks, who hails from Christchurch, finished fourth. His powerful vocal ability, stage presence and memorable image made him a competition favourite.

He has since had three top-10 singles and is in the recording studio working on his own material. The tour will enable fans to hear a handful of new offerings for the first time. A VIP package is available, consisting of an advanced copy of Colours, meet and greet backstage before the show, limited edition fan tour pass, signed poster; photo with the X Factor contestants and a personalised answer phone message.

Up close and live

WHAT: Sarah Spicer & Stevie Tonks - Up Close & Live Tour

WHERE: Level 1 Nightclub, Hastings

WHEN: Thursday September 10, 7pm to 10pm

COST: GA $29.95, VIP $49.95

- In Hawke's Bay next Thursday from 7pm, they will play at Level 1 Nightclub in Hastings.