Rotorua singer keeps mettle for semis

Frankee Andrews (front) will be competing for a place in the grand final of singing show Homai Te Pakipaki with the support of his Macaulay Metals workmates. Photo / Stephen Parker

Rotorua man Frankee Andrews is finding television success through his love of singing.

The 28-year-old of Ngati Paoa, Tainui and Ngapuhi won $1000 and received a mobile phone package after winning his recent heat on Maori Television programme Homai Te Pakipaki. He received the most text votes in the karaoke-like competition.

Mr Andrews is now through to the semifinals next month to try to cement a spot in the grand final with $20,000 up for grabs.

"I auditioned a few months ago when it was held in Rotorua. I was heading to work and had a couple of cousins ring me up asking me to go down after," he said. "I stood up in front of the producers and sang, If I Was Your Man by Joe.

"This isn't my first television show, I've been on New Zealand Idol in season two and came seventh and auditioned for X Factor. I've been brought up with music but I sometimes needed a reality check that I need to find other ways to support myself."

Mr Andrews works at Macaulay Metals in Old Taupo Rd. He credits the support and encouragement of his workmates for helping him get through to the semifinals. He sang Hallelujah written by Leonard Cohen.

"I did a lot of preparations, practised a lot and drafted my own vocal arrangement. There's always a fly in the room [camera] I know it's there but you just keep going. Singing on the show was good. Homai Te Pakipaki makes you feel at home and it's a cruisey environment," he said.

For others interested in auditioning he advises be confident. "You need to connect with the song and show it to the camera."

• Watch Mr Andrew's semifinal on October 31.