Youth have chance to sing with Aaradhna in Whangarei

Young singers will have the chance to perform with rnb/soul artist Aaradhna at the Ngapuhi Festival.

Young musicians will have the chance to perform with rnb/soul artist Aaradhna thanks to a new singing competition that will recognise upcoming talent.

Iwi Idol has been launched by the Ngapuhi Festival, which is being held in Whangarei, on January 27, for the first time. Iwi Idol is a platform on which young singers can record and submit a video of themselves to win a chance to perform with Aaradhna at the event.

The New Zealand singer said she was excited and looked forward to performing one of her original songs with the winner.

"This opportunity should create an atmosphere where we recognise our younger generation and the talent they have been blessed with.

"It will also be an amazing experience for them to perform in front of a large-scale audience in front of the community, their family and friends," she said.

Tio Taiaki, Ngapuhi Festival event manager, said it was the first time Aaradhna had been involved in a competition like this.

"With so many young talented singers out there, we wanted to provide a platform to celebrate and share their talent with the world."

Candidates, who must be aged 25 or younger and live in New Zealand can submit a one-minute video of themselves performing their favourite song. Duets and trios will also be accepted.

Since applications opened on Wednesday last week there have been 16 entries.

Submissions close 5pm next Friday, December 1. A public voting process on Facebook will begin on December 5.

The 10 finalists with the most votes will be invited to perform at the Ngapuhi Festival and the ultimate winner - who will be chosen by a panel - will perform with Aaradhna.

Meanwhile, 55 stalls have been booked so far for the festival.

For more information visit ngapuhifestival.com/iwi-idol/