IT’S THE THIRD SEMI-FINAL ON MĀORIOKE!

19 November 2007

The auditions are over and the heat is on the performers as they line up for the third semi-final of Māori Television’s popular nationwide talent show, MĀORIOKE, this Friday November 23 at 8.30 PM.

At the end of the fifth semi-final (Friday December 7 at 8.30 PM), the judges will make the tough decision about which seven singers are through to the grand MĀORIOKE final and in with a chance to take out the title and $10,000 cash prize.

In addition to announcing the seven finalists, presenters Kingi Biddle and Cushla Tangaere will announce the category winners. There is a $1,000 cash prize for Best R’n’B/Hip Hop, Best Pop/Rock, Best Country and Western/Old School, Best Kiwiana (NZ) and Best Waiata Reo Māori performances.

The third group of five semi-finalists performing this Friday November 23 at 8.30 PM is:

PEGGY-JOE MITAI, Hastings: Peggy-Joe is a busy stay-at-home mother of five lovely children ranging in age from seven months to 16 years. She loves being a full-time mum but thought this would be the year she’d give MĀORIOKE a go because she felt ‘on form’. Peggy-Joe’s hero and most honest critic is her mother who sits in the audience and nods when the performance is going well and makes faces when it’s not.

HUIA CLAYTON, Rotorua: Huia Clayton was born to be a performer – one of 14 children; he had to do something to get himself noticed! Even though he’s just turned the corner to 30, he’s been working on stage for almost 19 years, mostly in the cultural performance arena. Huia chose two Tom Jones songs for the auditions but says he’s not his favourite artist – it’s just that his vocal range is quite similar to the Welshman’s.

REBECCA NELSON, Christchurch: At just 19, Rebecca has a big future in front of her. The executive assistant likes musicals – and performers with big voices such as Welsh diva Katherine Jenkins. Rebecca says she enjoys the usual things 19-years-olds enjoy but tends to be a bit of a ‘nana’ when it comes to going out. She has a very special partner and always wears a piece of jewellery that her boyfriend has given her when she goes on stage.

MITI WHĀNAU, Porirua: The three Miti children all have amazing voices and take note: they are all black belts in karate! Sonny (16), Justina (15) and Tiana (13) attend Bishop Viard College in Porirua. Sonny sings in a barbershop quartet and chorus in his spare time; Justina loves life and ‘Home and Away’; and Tiana can be heard most nights practicing her singing.

SONNY TOKAHERE, South Auckland: Sonny was known as South Auckland’s singing postie until he gave it away to become a part-time student and single father. Sonny has three daughters (9, 10 and 14) and is studying with the Family Literacy Programme at Manukau Polytechnic. He’s been a fan of MĀORIOKE since the first series but never quite made it to the auditions.

Mauri Ora Productions – the makers of MĀORIOKE – have held auditions in the major centres, allowing contestants the opportunity to travel in from smaller towns to try and dazzle the seasoned judging panel.

Join the best new singers in the country when the third semi-final of MĀORIOKE screens onMāori Television on Friday November 23 at 8.30 PM.

Ends

Sandy Hodge
Kaiwhakaputa (Publicist)
Māori Television
DDI +64 9 539 7009
MOB: +64 21 325 826
EML: sandy.hodge@maoritelevision.com