The event manager of the Ngapuhi Festival is blown away by the calibre of entries for a competition that will see the winner perform with R&B and soul singer Aaradhna.
Voting has opened for the inaugural Iwi Idol- a competition where young musicians submitted a video of themselves singing for a chance to perform with New Zealand singer Aaradhna at the Ngapuhi Festival on January 27.
Of the 36 applications received, 22 videos were submitted by cut-off time last Friday.
Read more: Entries pour in for Ngapuhi Festival's Iwi Idol in Whangarei
Event manager Tio Taiaki said entries came from as far south as Christchurch with the youngest entrant only 8.
"We're blown away by the talent and calibre of all the entries. The awesome thing is that one of these lucky young people will sing live with Aaradhna at Ngapuhi Festival 2018," he said.
The profiles of each contestant, which include a YouTube link to a video of them singing, have been uploaded to Facebook for voting which closes on Wednesday, December 13.
The 10 profiles with the most likes will be selected as finalists and invited to perform at the Ngapuhi Festival at Toll Stadium in Whangarei. The ultimate winner will be chosen by a panel of judges and announced on Wednesday, December 20.
To view the videos visit facebook.com/ngapuhifestival