X Factor: Sam and Cameron perform in Rotorua

Sam Yeoward and Cameron Rota have stars in their eyes.

Both teenagers were eliminated from Monday night's X Factor show on TV3 but were called back on stage by judge Ruby Frost, along with Christchurch's Peniamina (Peni) Sofai and asked if they would like to continue as a group. They jumped at the opportunity.

Sam, 15, from John Paul College and Cameron, 14, from Whakatane High, were in Rotorua yesterday doing radio and TV interviews and a gig at Sam's school in front a screaming crowd of teenagers.

It all began when they were called back on stage during the show, Sam said.

"We didn't know what was happening. We thought maybe there was a wild card or something."

Even if they don't win X Factor New Zealand, they are convinced they will stay together as a group.

"It's awesome to get put in with two people I really liked. We've become very close," Sam said.

Not bad considering all three auditioned for New Zealand Has Got Talent and were rejected.

Cameron said the achievement had hit him since making the top 24 in the show.

"It's just become so real."

Sam said: "It's pretty hard to keep our feet on the ground ... people tell me I'm cocky but I'm just confident."

People were walking up to them all the time asking for their autograph and having their photograph taken with them.

"It's mean as," Cameron said. "People know who we are."

They know it is just the beginning for them as a group.

"This is just the start of our career. We just want to sing and we all get on so well," Sam said.

They hope to make it into the top 12, to the judge's retreat in Auckland and the live shows.

The trio have yet to choose a name which will be revealed on next week's show.

Meanwhile, you can check them out on Facebook under their individual names.