"Right from the first guy [in the aria competition], Keiran [Rayner], the bar was set high for the rest to follow.''
Jason Phillips said he was also stunned by those who took to the stage.
"It's been enthralling. There is some beautiful talent,'' he said.
Marri Pureu said it was an impressive contest showcasing some amazing young talented people.
"It's been absolutely fantastic to listen to.''
Visiting Rotorua from France, Lisa Stewart and Colin Stevenson said they were stunned by the talent on stage. Mrs Stewart said they heard about the show so decided to head along.
"If the rest of the world heard about this they'd be highly jealous. It's very impressive,'' she said.
Meanwhile, guest singer, 2009 Aria winner Pene Pati received a welcome even Pavarotti would be proud of as he took the stage.
All the singers were backed by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, conducted by Stephen Mould.
John Bond, 96, who has been associated with the contest since it began, awarded Christie Cook the Most Promising Voice award.
Judges Geoffrey Chard and Joan Carden judged the winners.
In the Maori section, Benson Wilson was first, Te Waikamihi Korohina-Ormsby second and third place went to Cassandra McCowan.
Aria 2012 winners were: Stephen Diaz, 1, $15,000 prize package, Christie Cook, 2, $5000 cash, Travis Gravatt, 3, $1000 cash, with Isabella Moore taking fourth place and a $500 scholarship.
