Local stars shining on TV

DOUBLE ACT: Singer Charlotte Melser (left) and trio LGW Gaylene Jacobs, Lynaire Simon and Willie Matthews are performing in Homai Te Paki Paki. PHOTO/ ZARYD WILSON

It will be eyes on TV screen and cellphone in hand tonight with two Wanganui acts in the grand final of Homai Te Paki Paki.

Solo act Charlotte Melser and trio LGW will be performing live from Auckland on the Maori TV talent show while fans back home text in votes.

The show came to Wanganui for auditions in May with both Charlotte and LGW making it on to the show.

"The goal was to get to the grand final. Our major goal is to win," Willie Matthews of LGW said.

Despite only getting back together the day before the auditions the trio had sung together in the past and had the pedigree.

"In my family we're all musical," Willie said. "We're all from a musical background."

LGW were inspired to enter after seeing Wanganui acts do well last year, Gaylene Jacobs said.

"We thought if they can, why can't we?

"There's some great talent out there in Wanganui. We're very blessed that we've got so much great talent."

It's a view shared by Charlotte.

"Not only talent but a community that supports it," she said.

Charlotte originally missed out progressing earlier but was given a judges' wildcard into the semifinals and was then voted through to the final after a long wait for the results.

"I was incredibly calm about it. I mean, I knew I had three weeks to wait," she said.

Charlotte will also have her eyes on the prize, some of which she wants to donate to the Mayoral Relief Fund.

"It's an amazing experience to be part of and whether I take it out or not I feel like I've already won. A trip to Auckland with these guys; Wanganui represent."

LGW fans are gathering at the Wanganui East Club to watch the show while Charlotte is encouraging her friends to host screening parties.

People can vote from 8.30pm by texting 'paki 3' to 5151 for Charlotte or 'paki 10' to 5151 for LGW. Text costs 50c.