There was a fascinating contrast on Sunday between Aussie and New Zealand singers all heading for fame, musical glory and a life living their dream.
First was the replay of The Voice Australia (TV One, 2pm) selecting the contestants for the ultimate final this week. These young - and a few older - singers have been just spellbinding in their approach, attack and displays of steeled nerves.
Every week they get into that bullring (the stage), let their vocal chords rip before a live audience and their sternest critics, the four judges - the fabulous Seal, with a voice like melted honey, quirky Joel Madden with the edge on rock star hairdos, slinky, golden Delta Goodrem, and the exquisitely mannered Ricky Martin.
And great host Scottish-born Darren McMullen never tries to take over, dish out showy hugs or shove his face in a camera closeup.
I've never been that keen on talent shows, probably due to the eternal screenings of American Idol with narcissistic judge Simon Cowell and MC poseur "I'm-so-gorgeous" Ryan Seacrest.
But the Aussie Voice is staggering in that there's nowhere for singers to hide - they are literally locked into a roped ring, so when you're on ... you're on, baby.
Each one of these gutsy singers is aiming for that ultimate prize ... a BIG recording contract.
And judging by the talent I've seen I would say there's already an abundance of talent scouts in the audience - and they're not just waiting for the winner.
These shows are all about marketing ... you know, commercial enterprise where top talent can equate to lotsa dosh.
So after relishing Aussie talent like Tim Morrison, Harrison Craig, Steve Clisby, Miss Murphy and Luke Kennedy, I dissolved into snorts of laughter later watching Sunday on TV One at 7pm.
The third story up was a clip about our three Kiwi Samoan opera singers - the Pati brothers, tenors Pene and Amitai from South Auckland, and their mate, baritone Moses Mackay.
These chaps are now at a prestigious academy for classical singers in Cardiff, Wales, where international tenor and voice master Denis O'Neil extols the virtues of the Patis.
They are very special and will become significant performers on the world's greatest opera stages.
The three Kiwis, who had sung on the cafe circuit in New Zealand as Sole3 Mio, have revived their trio to help with some pin money.
So with three great voices and Moses on guitar, wide smiles and often muted giggles, they have been performing around Cardiff various diners and the like.
Nothing glitzy - just the chaps wearing tidy clothes and singing everything from folk songs, Maori waiata and some light opera.
But someone significant heard them and they have been signed up to a recording contract with Universal. The three are still amazed, saying they were just doing what they have always done ... getting up and having a sing.