Singing twins jump with joy into TV talent pool

Martinborough X Factor New Zealand contestants Pip and Mel Maynard said they were "absolutely rapt" when they made it through to the final 120 contestants and qualified for bootcamp.

The jubilant 35-year-olds appeared on an episode of the hit show which was broadcast last weekend.

Speaking to the Wairarapa Times-Age, Pip Maynard said the identical twins were delighted to have made it through from an initial 6000 hopefuls. She said going to bootcamp in Auckland alongside so much diverse musical talent was a great experience.

She said the atmosphere and energy as the competition progressed was amazing. "It was great to be around people who were just as passionate about singing as we were.

"We met some amazing amazing people who we've kept in touch with."

During the two-day bootcamp the contestants were whittled down from 120 to 60 after the first day and from 60 to 24 after the second day during a highly competitive selection process.

Ms Maynard said it was nerve-racking standing and performing in front of judges Stan Walker, Melanie Blatt, Ruby Frost and Daniel Bedingfield, but behind the scenes spirits were high.

"It was brillant meeting everybody there, you could tell there was serious talent from around New Zealand," Ms Maynard said. "We were all really excited and everyone was feeling the same. We'd all get together [with the other contestants] in big groups and sing, it didn't really feel like a competition."

The Poppies floor manager said the fact they had already met the judges during the audition process made it much easier to handle any lingering anxieties. "It was really cool and because we'd already seen them and they were so positive during our audition that made a big difference."

All participants sign up to strict confidentiality agreements prior to taking part on the show and the musical Martinborough woman was keeping tight-lipped on how they fared at bootcamp.

Ms Maynard said the Martinborough and Wairarapa support had been wonderful. "Everyone's been watching the TV and getting excited even if they only see us for a second."

The twins embarked on their X Factor adventure when they attended the Masterton pre-auditions at the Town Hall on January 22 with about 300 other participants.

The Maynard twins are due to appear again on X Factor, which is broadcast on TV3, next Sunday or Monday evening.