Pop's Ultimate Embarrassments, Minties Moments and scandals

Okay, so we know Pop's Ultimate Wannabe Star is over, but some memories live on. After the awards ceremony we looked back over the series and discovered that some of the Minties Moments deserve extra recognition, so today we present Pop's Ultimate Embarrassments - the tragic outfits, the ones they forgot to do up and all the thrills and spills of reality television.


Lip-synching scandal
TVNZ categorically deny any lip-synching or vote rigging. Okay, we accept there was no lip-synching on Pop's Ultimate Star, but we do have a query about Joe's comment in her interview:

I love the fact you do something and you do your very best and still people criticise you and find fault. I have never lip synched in my life. It is always live.

A couple of hundred people who watched TrueBliss perform 'live' at Lynn Mall say otherwise...so did the Western Leader. As for the vote rigging? They jury's still out on that one, so we'll keep you posted on the official investigation.


Word Blunders
Of course, Big Matt Saunoa probably wishes he could have lip-synched his way through the final after blowing it by forgetting the lines of his song. And it’s not the first time... Big Matt made a wowser of a boo-boo in the final when he missed two whole lines of the second verse. But he wasn't the only one.

Ben Lummis also forgot the words to his song in an earlier show and who can forget Ben's use of the word "Jew", instead of "You" during his performance of 'Every Breathe You Take' by The Police?

David Wikaira-Paul and Camillia Temple also struggled with the word "ask," using "aks" instead. Tut tut.


Voting Scandal
As for the voting I have one query...
How did TJ win Virtual Pop Star when he wasn't in the top 10?


The Trippers
Maybe the glass stage and stairs were a bad idea. The contestants seemed to struggle with their balance, and a few of them tripped. Ben's stumble wasn't obvious to everyone but others were more obvious.

Some of the ladies dresses made them a bit unstable and others had hiccups during their performances:

• Keri Harper managed to trip on her jacket
• David Wikaira-Paul's stumble down the stairs
• Ben Lummis tripped twice.
• Emily Williams tripped over gawd knows what (must have been her high-high-high heeled boots) and...
• Matt had a bit of a stumble on the glass stage, but managed to make it look like part of his dance moves.

The Tragic Outfits.
We were really spoilt for choice when looking back over the series fashion shockers. From Camillia's awful 80's get-up, to Steve's Drag Queen ensemble, to Emily's Street Walker look, there were more lows than highs. Although nothing got lower than the neckline on Joe's dresses!

On a bright note, if Mother Goose ever needs another Humpty Dumpty, there's always Matt.


The abuse
Joe Cotton's win wasn't popular with everyone. Matt Saunoa's partner, Lisa-Jane MacKenzie abused the judges on the final night and stormed out of TVNZ's Avalon studio, after Matt received very average feedback from the judges. Heck Lisa-Jane, those guys are big influencers in the music industry. Jordan Luck is looking for new talent to perform songs, somehow we don't expect Matt will be getting a call.

Messageboards were active with allegations of vote fixing and dodgy judging. Some went as far as threatening Joe Cotton after her win, believing she was unworthy of the title. In the end, the abuse was so extreme that TVNZ made the decision to close their messageboard.


The Scandals - Drugs, Sex and Alcohol
Matt gave us some goodies with his infamous night at the Casino, and the Play Station incident. Not to mention the drama that played out on stage between him and Harry over Matt's lack of professionalism.

Speaking of Matt and the Sky City Casino, during the NZ Idol series, the contestants went for a jump off the Sky Tower. Matt was unable to participate because of his size and weight. Ouch!

As for Kim Willoughby, she does have a son with Temuera Morrison, although she is not listed on any celebrity profiles as being the boy's mother. Tem also has full custody of their son. That's pretty unusual. We wonder why...

And how about David Wikaira-Paul's Singing Coach? She coached him straight out of the competition. All credit to David - He did better than anyone predicted, but does anyone know what happened to his promised TV appearance? In Dave's elimination interview, he mentioned that we would see him on another television show a couple of weeks after the end of Pop's Ultimate Star. Did we blink and miss it?

Nik Carlson's ultimate embarrassment is being a mummy's boy, after letting his mother fight his battles for him. His everlovin' mum accused TVNZ of vote rigging. We're still waiting on the results of that enquiry, but given that TVNZ take three months to cough up the money that celebs earned for charity on Dancing with the Stars, we're not holding our breath.

One final question Nik, please answer the question...Are you Gay? We put our questions to him, but he chose to ignore us. Big mistake Nikster. Making up gossip is MUCH more fun! He's never denied it, and various messageboards have talked about his ex-boyfriend, so until we hear otherwise...


Emily's on again off again album news
Emily Williams did her bit with rumours circulating about drug use and alcohol problems. One eye witness claims that Emily frequently drinks alcohol during performances. She certainly seemed vague during her interviews.

Emily signed to Sony in January 2006 and the press release at the time stated that her album would be released during 2006, but her album is yet to be released. Some have speculated that Em's drinking is the holdup. During her interview with NZ Reality TV, Em told us she would be recording her album on her return to Australia. Em's man has been saying there may be an album from Emily and sister Lavina during 2008. There will also be a second album from Emily's band Young Divas in November 2007, with a single from the group in September 2007. We'll keep you posted.

Rachel Says:
June 22nd, 2006 at 10:41 am
The reason why sony is not releasing anything yet, on emily is because she arrived to a showcase for sony looking disorientated and drugged out, maybe emily is taking this opportunity for granted, me and my partner watched her perform in sydney a few months back at a gay bar and we were shocked to see her sculling cups of wine or beer backstage.

We hope she wasn't drinking during P.U.S, since she claimed, on Studio 2, that she only drinks cups of tea before going on stage.

That reminds me. Perhaps Em should have gotten a few more hours sleep after her elimination night. She was looking terribly under the weather when she appeared on Studio 2. In fact, I think she was still drunk from the previous nights efforts. In her elimination interview she admitted to being horribly hung over. Fair enough, but is this a habit with Young Diva Emily?

After she ran the 'Celebrity Gauntlet' on TV's Studio 2, Emily had to drink a shot of Wheat grass, suck an orange wedge, and sing the first line of the New Zealand National Anthem. It took a mighty effort on her part not to vomit. How embarrassing. But according to TVNZ she was a "trooper" and a good sport about the whole adventure.


Immunity Rout
The public spoke out and the public were heard. Full credit to the person responsible for axing that madcap idea. Camillia, Nik, and Ben were given immunity from elimination before it was thrown in the bin. And not before time - what a ripoff, scamming voters out of money, and then awarding immunity. Tsk tsk Touchdown. It's bad enough that you force us to watch mediocre singers being praised by namby pamby judges, but then you force us to watch those singers get caked in your sponsor's products (if only it had been the toothpaste, instead of the mascara - that would be entertaining), and take money from teens under the guise of letting them choose who gets eliminated from the show.


Hide Under A Rock - Zipper Slip!
Resident goddess Rosita Vai, might not have noticed, but Cerise did. Performing on National telly with your zipper down ranks up there with going to school in your pyjamas. Cringe factor 10.
Thanks for the chuckle, Rosita. We especially loved Rosita's elimination interview when you told us WE were the weird ones!


Most Desperate Fan
Thanks to MaryCherry for this little gem...

I reckon Boyband's Rob Arnold deserves an award for Saddest Attempt To Get on TV. He was in the audience a few times holding big sings for Joe, wearing a TrueBliss T-shirt and having insanely bad hair. Surely that deserves something?

We agree.


The Thank You Queen
We know someone brought you up real good Camillia, but the incessant toadying and thank yous were a bit much. We like the real Camillia. The one who tells it like it is in her elimination interview and shows she's got sass. Of course, your manners were a lot better than NZ Idol judge Megan 'Girlfriend' Alatini, who argued with the DWTS judges, but perhaps something in the middle would be a bit more realistic, huh?

Compiled by Cerise, Miss Prozac, a bottomless glass of Chardonnay and a few bottles of beer

P.U.S Awards Ceremony

Joe Cotton may have won the title of Pop's Ultimate Star, a Kia Rio, and $50,000, but everyone was a star, and they all deserve some recognition.

That's why we have come up with our very own Awards Ceremony.

The Piffler Award goes to Jordan Luck, for the most unintelligible dribble ever spurted forth on the show.

The Agreement Award goes to Harry Lyons, for the amount of times he agreed with Kim.

Kim Willoughby gets The Time Warp Award, for being firmly stuck in the 80's.

The Pacifier Award goes to Peter Urlich, for his timely interception in the argument between Harry and Matt.

The Personality Award goes to Dominic Bowden, because he doesn't have one.

Nik Carlson is the proud recipient of the Suave Ribbon, for excellent taste in shirts.

Camillia Temple did the best Banshee Interpretation, and gets a merit for that.

The people Most Likely To Appear On Another Reality Show are Joe Cotton and David Wikaira-Paul.

The person Most Likely To Deliver A Pizza is Ben Lummis. I wonder how long the pizza jokes will go on for?

Matt Saunoa is the person Most Likely To Have A Play Station In His Car.

Least Likely To Have A Singing Career was clearly Keri Harper.

Best Drag Queen Performance goes to Steve Broad, because he was seriously in the groove when he performed 'I Need You Tonight' by INXS.

Rosita Vai and Emily Williams deserve the Diva Award, because they were the best female vocalists of the series.

And finally Charlie, the female backing vocalist, gets the Hot Chick Award. No wonder the cameras shied away from her. She is quite stunning, and a great singer to boot.


If you'd like to suggest your own awards, let us know in the comments and we'll add them to the list. How about a Merit Award for Joe Cotton for Services to the Wonder Bra? Or an award to producers Touchdown for plumbing new lows in the reality television genre? All suggestions welcome!

The Real Inside Goss on Pop’s Ultimate Star

Why would anyone want to be on Pop’s Ultimate Star?

Could it be fame? The chance at winning $50,000 or wanting to putter down Queen St in the Kia Rio car? Is it the chance to wear mini skirts, a see through dress or funny hats?

NZRealityTV can reveal the real reason that ten wannabe Pop Stars agreed to be humiliated, dissected and pulled apart on national television.

Today I spoke to candid Camillia Temple about her time on reality TV show Pop’s Ultimate Star (PUS), her elimination, those see through outfits, the truth behind Matt’s absence from rehearsals and got the inside skinny on the show.



So what’s Camillia really like?
The Thank You Queen is a straight shooter, and surprisingly well grounded considering her association with NZ Idol, reality TV show City Celebrity, Country Nobody and now Pop’s Ultimate Sham Star.

Fashion
She has a great sense of humour, and had no reservations about telling it like it is. When I interviewed Keri Harper I found her delightful, but there was always the sense that she was censoring her answers. Not so with Camillia. She’s ambitious but realistic, honest and savvy. She’s probably got a bit caught up in the show biz world (she called me “hun” a few times) but she’s not too big for her see through skirt that she can’t laugh at herself. Although she did confess to being self-conscious about swelling from a size 8 during Idol to her current size 14.

That’s probably about the same size as the average Kiwi, but when you stick a size 14 gal in clingy tights in front of a camera it ain’t a pretty picture. We were going to blame stylist Kim Willoughby for that fashion faux pas but it seems the powers that be have had the wisdom to call in a replacement – that probably explains the surprisingly flattering blue dress in last week’s performance. Unfortunately, Camillia has to take all the credit for the white dress in yesterday’s elimination show that emphasised all the wrong curves.

The real reason contestants agreed to be on Pop’s Ultimate Star…
There are some deluded people out there who presume that this competition is a labour of love for the singers. Not so.

Yes, the chosen 10 enjoy singing, and yes they’d like to be crowned champion, and they certainly wouldn’t say no to a record contract or extra singing gigs, but we can reveal that the real reason these singers agreed to be on the show was the weekly pay cheque.

All the contestants get paid and Camillia reckons that none of them would be there if it wasn’t for the weekly pay cheque. She says they look upon it as a well paid gig, and they are very motivated to stay in the competition as long as possible.

So where was Matt this week?
This puts Matt’s disappearing act during last week’s rehearsals in a new light. This isn’t just a case of a few down on their luck singers hoping to win the show and grab all the bootie. This is about ten professional singers being paid a professional performance fee. According to Camillia they are contracted to be on the show. They have appointments and rehearsal times scheduled, and like any other job you are expected to be there per your contract. Fair enough.

As to Matt turning up, Camillia says, “For goodness sake. That was a big deal to Harry and a couple of others. Everyone else was stressed out wondering where he was. We’re all under contract to meet our appointments. He disappeared for two days. It wasn’t just that he didn’t tell us. We couldn’t contact him. No one knew where he was or what was happening.”

I imagine it was a big deal to the guys in his group who were performing for immunity. And to all the other people who were paid to be there when he didn’t turn up. The camera operator (for those candid Cover Girl moments), the musos and anyone else sitting around wondering where he was.

What was it like having your song chosen you for?
It's scary getting a song chosen for you. I really wanted a modern song but I only got old songs.

I pointed out that she sung a Stella* hit, but Camillia shrugged it off saying that some of the others got to sing top 40 songs, and that she'd have liked that chance. I guess that's what elimination nights are for...

Why didn’t you sing one of your signature songs, like Purple Rain for the elimination?
We’re not allowed to.

Although we get to choose our own song for elimination, it’s very restrictive. We’re not allowed to sing anything that we’ve sung before on Idol, or released on an album or anything else publicly. We’re not allowed to do anything that any of the other contestants have already sung and we’re not allowed to choose a song by the same artist as the other contestant singing for elimination.

Those immunity challenges
I totally loved those challenges. I loved doing them. (That probably explains the one of the two votes out of about 150 that were in favour of the immunity challenges)

I know I was coming across bossy but everyone was reeling from the shock of finding out we had to do this and I wanted to show everyone that we’re talented and have creativity.

If you had your time over, would you still do the show?
Ooooh tough question. I think my time to sing and be judged is over. I had a problem about whether being on the show I would be taken seriously as a New Zealand recording artist. Harry Lyon was wonderful. He was very reassuring. He said it’s about getting out there and giving people a chance to hear you. I’ve been out of singing for a long time, spending time as a mother. It was good to get back into it. Singing is something I need to do.

I’m going back to being a mum after this show but I want to get back into my song writing and session singing, working on projects with others as well as some solo gigging. Right now I’m a solo mum and concentrating on myself.

Are any of you doing any campaigning outside the show to get votes?
No one, except Joe who has her own radio show.

What celebrity would you most like to have dinner with?
This is like being back at school! I think Martin Henderson from Shortland Street. Those eyes!

The final word
Nik (Carlson) and I cracked up reading your website. We liked it. It was brutal but beautiful. Of Cerise: "She’s funny. She has a way of saying thing that made us laugh. The thing that made us laugh the most was how she kept saying I should close my legs."

Related Stories:
Episode 5: PUS Episode Review
Episode 4: Pop's Ultimate Scam
Episode 3: Pop's Ultimate Star Ultimately Confusing
Episode 2: Pop's Ultimate Star not Shining Yet
Episode 1: Pop’s Ultimate Yawn

Images: TVNZ

P.U.S decisions, decisions.

A slimmer Camillia
singing Purple Rain

Eww Dom. You've gone back to the Undertaker look. At least have SOME color in your outfits.

The Kia Rio. Is it just me, or does anyone else think that "car" looks like it got cut off halfway through when it was coming off the blocks?

Covergirl desperation. I lost count of how many times covergirl was splashed across the back-drop after 10.

From the Get-go, Peter Urlich said, "You are only as good as your last performance. They(the bottom two contestants) have to figure out what they did wrong".
I say: The public don't have time to judge the performers on their performance ON THE NIGHT! That's not our fault, and it's not the singers either. Look to Touch Down, if you want your questions answered.

Oooh. From the Gossip Mill: Naughty Nik Carlson said, in 2005, "I'm glad I didn't win NZ Idol because Rosita Vai's album is going to be a rush-job". He went on to tell the Wairarapa Times-Age, "I get a longer time to record, and to do more original stuff". Miiiiaow!
Unfortunately for the Nickster, the only sales info I could find was a link to a Trade Me auction for his single "I Believe In A Thing Called Love", which was a re-make of the hit by The Darkness. Hmmm. Hardly "original". Aaand, that link was from February 2006? (I also have a sneaking suspicion that the disk in question was a burned copy)

Camillia Temple sang Kissing You by Beyonce, previously done by Desiree for the Romeo and Juliet movie which featured Leonardo somebody and Claire whatsherface.(no. I'm not a fan of either of theirs)
NB: This was Camillia's second time, in a row, in the bottom two. It's unanimous that she would have been there once again, if not to the pathetic "immunity".

Well, the hair was lovely, again, but, erm, someone in the wardrobe department forgot to give Camillia her dress. The poor lass walked out in her aunt Mildred's nightie.

Surprisingly, I actually enjoyed listening to this. And I'm speaking the truth. I really was listening, and not watching, because my TV's aerial fell off the cabinet during her second line. It was nowhere near the caliber of Desiree's rendition, which was hauntingly melodic, but it was better than Beyonce's "I'm a singer with a booty shake. You love me" shocker. (Anyone who disagree's with me...compare The Beegee's version of Emotion, with Destiny's Child's version)

Tip: Watch the forcing out of your "K's".

Jordan "The Snort King Of The Golliwog 'Do" said: Eyeyahuh Really good.
(I interpreted that to mean "I(trying to think. Thought sequence deleted). Really good". That's it Jordie. Stick to mono syllabic speech.)

Pete said: I disagree with Jordan. It didn't touch the right spots.
(It's ok, Pete. I won't make any comments on your Pizza preferences.)

Kim said: I disagree with Peter.
(I roll my eyes.)

Harry said: I agree with Kim.
(I already had that written down. What a surprise.)

Nik Carlson sang Human Nature by Micheal Jackson.
I'm sorry, but after reading today that Nik refused to answer questions about his sexuality because he considered that "private, and none of the public's business", I had a little giggle to myself over him singing a Wacko Jacko song, because it was "something he felt inside him". *chuckle, giggle*

And honestly. You wear another stoopid hat, a gold 49'ers tee, and gold belt buckle, yet won't answer questions about your orientation? It's all good, Nik. We don't care. Really.

I would have totally gone for the vocal performance, but I really can't stand poor enunciation. If Nik was bleeped out every time he said "human", I would've been sold.

Jordan said: I find you a chameleoned wee fish.
(I say, "Chameleoned"? Is that one to add to the dictionary?)

Peter said: Very brave doing Micheal.
(At which point, I absolutely keeled over in hysterics.)

Kim said: (something, but I was still laughing)

Harry said: (My laughter was slowing down until I heard him say "Hard choice", and then I was off again)

Sooo, who was eliminated?
Camillia sang us out with The Bangles' Eternal Flame. Ouch!

At the end there was a segment saying that the voting lines are now open, and will close after the final performance on Sunday night.
If that doesn't say "This is a popularity contest, not a singing competition", I don't know what does.
I also have a feeling that more people watch Shortland Street than P.U.S. So don't write David Wikaira-Paul off anytime soon.

Interview with Camillia.
The Talented Talia will be speaking to Camillia tomorrow morning, so bring your questions on.
I have one, Talia. "Camillia, when you knew you were facing elimination for the second week in a row, why didn't you break out the big guns, and sing Purple Rain?".
If you have a question, but don't want to post it in here, or if you're unsure of how to post, there is a side bar to the right of this review. Just click on "e-mail Talia", and bob's your uncle. You're halfway there.

Final Word.
Don't vote for Nik until he sends me that shirt...or a big box of chocolates!

This is the last Wednesday elimination. This Sunday another wannabe leaves the show.

Related Stories:
Episode 5: PUS Episode Review
Tell us what you think - Should singers get immunity?
Episode 4: Pop's Ultimate Scam
Episode 3: Pop's Ultimate Star Ultimately Confusing
Episode 2: Pop's Ultimate Star not Shining Yet
Episode 1: Pop’s Ultimate Yawn

P.U.S becomes S.U.P.

Socially Unacceptable Piffle. What is "Piffle"? Basically, it is incoherent babble, OR windy comments inconsistent with the topic at hand. Tonights 2 pifflers were Jordan Luck, and Harry Lyons.

Someone needs to throw Jordan in a room with a speech therapist, and lock the door...for a year. I could barely understand any of his alcohol induced blabber.
And as for Harry, what a disgraceful conduct. I was gob-smacked. And let me tell you, that's not an easy feat.

OK, we get that Matt hasn't been here 100% in this competition, but waffling on for nearly a minute about rehearsals? OTT, Harry. Matt deserves an apology, and so does the rest of the country. You, personally, made the show hard to watch.

Matt Saunoa sang Fly Away by Lenny Kravitz.


Personally, I was excited to see shades of the old Matt coming back.
The outfit was hideous though. It looked like Po(the Telly Tubby) was wearing Tinky Winky's suit.

Jordan asked: How committed are you?
Matt replied: I'm here to the end.

Some of the dialogue between Harry and Matt:
Harry: I've got a problem with your lack of professionalism. (blah, blah, not turning up to rehearsal).
Matt: I was 20 minutes late...
Harry: Not turning up to rehearsals two days in a row.
Matt: (tries to reply)
Harry: (cuts off Matt with some comment about family emergencies)
Matt: Professional or not, we're all human.
Harry: (gets cut off by Peter)
Peter: Thankyou Matt.

Here's my problem. Harry talks about professionalism, yet he brings up back-stage problems when he is supposed to be judging the performance. If it was such a big deal, bring it up before the show, or after the show. While you are sitting on the judges couch JUDGE!
Second of all...

Dig at Dom.
Thanks for dressing in that snazzy suit, Dom, but start controlling the show. The judges need to be put firmly in their place. Yet time after time, it's the music that cuts in on them. YOU should be delicately putting a stopper on some of their long-winded, open ended questions that seem to invite a conversation. And stop them from interrupting each other. Tonight, it was up to you to stop Harry from attacking Matt the way he did, but Peter had to step up to the plate. Very disappointing, and it really left a sour taste in my mouth.

Tonights (yawn) Immunity Challenge.
I guess the "judges" thought they were being awfully clever with a "Battle Of The Sexes". Alas, they are not clever. The "surprise" *gasp* twist was that the losing group chose who got immunity. Why don't they just give up this "immunity" rubbish. No-one likes it.
Anyhooo...



David Wikaiara-Paul chose 'I'll Make Love To You', by Boys II Men.
Mmmm. They were fantastic. From the Roses(even if they weren't choccy), to the harmony, and Bens solo in the middle, it was near perfect. The guys really nailed the art of blending.



Joe Cotton chose 'Queen Of The Night' by Whitney Houston.
A great song choice. Joe and Emily looked HAWT. And the girls showed off their powerful vocals. Unfortunately, they just didn't combine the way the boys did.
So the girls lucked out, but were able to gift one of the boys with Immunity.



Emily Williams sang Umbrella, by Rhianna.
I don't know why, but something about her outfit just didn't sit right. Theoretically, it should have looked funky, but it didn't quite cut the mustard.

Vocally, it was quite good, until nearly the end, when it seemed like she was having a cat-fight with herself.

Tip: Just sing the song.

7/10

Kim said: You so turned it on tonight.
(I say: Ditch the hip talk, Kim. You can't speak it.)

Peter said: You get stronger every week.
(I say: Right on, Pete.)

Harry said: You are the bomb diggety.
(I say: You are just a bomb. Dig it eh?)


Ben Lummis sang High, by James Blunt.
(Pre-performance, Peter said "If Ben cracked a smile, he would have half the country in the palm of his hands". I was laughing so hard, I had to throw that in somewhere.)

Thank-you Ben, for ditching the Jiggly-Puff 'do. Noice one mate.

Vocally, it was nice, safe, predictable, and a teensy bit boring. The falsetto was pretty weird, but you're a male, so we'll let you off. This time.

Tip: Move boy, move!

6-7/10

Jordan said: mumble, mumble.
(I say: Either open your mouth, or seal it shut.)

Peter said: Another fine Lummis Production. I wanna see more flavours on the pizza.
(I say: Well, Pete. Since you like Cheesey, might I suggest some feta, Peta?)


Camillia Temple sang Eternal Flame, by The Bangles.
Amazing! That shade of blue is totally Camillia's colour. And the hair was seriously right.
(Don't worry folks. This is really me. I'll be back in grumpy mode on Wednesday night. You can blame Harry for my attitude tonight.)

Extremely shakey vocals, and the ending? Tragic. In fact, I was thinking, if I swung a dog over my head, by it's tail, and hurled it into the engine of a fully powered up boeing 747, which would sound worse?

Tip: Stay sitting.

5/10

Jordan said: Queen of the Night one second, (mumble).

Kim said: Didn't have the control.
(I say: About time you started listening to her.)

Peter said: You look fantastic tonight.
(I say: I think the contestants have stuck up for themselves tonight.)


Nik Carlson sang Say Goodbye, by Chris Brown.
What the?? Who put that stoopid hat on his head?!

Nice dancing, but this ranks on the "Boringatang Metre" up there with Usher's Burn. Boring-a-ding-dong. Still, at least Nik didn't make it any worse than the original.

Tip: Throw the hat away. Preferably in the face of the clown who put it on your head in the first place.

6/10

Peter said: If you wanna stay in this competition, keep doing what you are doing.
(I say: Would you like extra pepperoni with that?)





David Wikaira-Paul sang Steal My Kisses, by Ben Harper.
I'm liking this sloppy, casual look.

David is the ultimate all-rounder. Smooth moves, party improv, beat-boxing. And we are loving that flirty wink.

Tip: Ignore the judges.

8/10

Jordan said: So much charisma.

Harry said: Likeable presence. Concentrate on the basics.
(I say: How about YOU concentrate on the basics, buddy!)


Immunity: Tonight, the gals gave immunity to Ben. And I thought that was a good call. So what if he didn't need it? He deserved it.

Covergirl Victim. Tonight it was Joe Cotton. She asked for Madonna, and got Pat Benetar instead...with a mole. lol. Personally, all this Covergirl Overload is doing, is putting me off their product.

Worthy comment. One of our readers, the lovely Jane, posted during the week. She suggested that, rather the challenge winner getting Immunity, maybe they could pick their own song the following week instead.
We thought that was a fantabulous idea. Good on you Jane. I bet most people agree with you too.

Miss Prozac Lets Touchdown Know What's What.
"This was billed as the ultimate singing showdown. Instead in yet another Treasure Island type twist the singers have to decide who should get immunity. What next? In week 6 will the judges get the opportunity to bring back one of the eliminated singers, perhaps inviting Rosita 'my heart's not in it' Vai to rejoin the competition?

It's interesting you mention that, miss p. The Ultimate Singing Showdown that has, so far, not featured a judge who has a hit song in at least 5 years(as a performer). The Ultimate Singing Showdown in which the Dee Jay contestant is the only contestant to have had more than ONE top selling single. How about some Kaylee? Or some Blindspot?

And that's my final word.
The Meanie will be back, on form, on Wednesday night.

Related Stories:
Tell us what you think - Should singers get immunity?
Steve Broad on singing, television and dating
Episode 4: Pop's Ultimate Scam
Episode 3: Pop's Ultimate Star Ultimately Confusing
Pop's Ultimate Star: Will the best singer win?
Episode 2: Pop's Ultimate Star not Shining Yet
Episode 1: Pop’s Ultimate Yawn

Images: TVNZ

Steve Broad on singing, television and dating

Last night Steve Broad was the third contestant to be eliminated from Pop’s Ultimate Star. Today we got Steve’s opinions on:

• Dating (yes girls he’s single)
• The immunity challenges
• Song choices
• Will the best singer win…

And, yes, he says they really are one big happy family. I found Steve charming and chatty – I can see why his appeal has widened to include not just young girls, but also the over 40s.

Future plans
I feel good about the elimination. I always knew I came into the competition as an underdog. I figure I did good. You know what – I’m too proud to care. Only thing is I’m gutted and really missing the other guys. We’ll be texting each other.

I’m over reality TV and I’m over singing. I had a once in a lifetime opportunity – twice! First thing I’m going to do is take a big break and do nothing for a while. I’ll still do a bit of singing for me but I want to move on to other things. Lots of people have criticised my singing but no one has criticised me on TV. (Clearly he hasn’t been reading this blog. Cerise nearly had conniptions when he turned up on stage in Episode 2 in that weird stripy number with heavy foundation makeup and eyeliner)

People have been really supportive and saying I’m good on TV. I want to test that theory. There’s nothing in the pipeline but I’ll be looking out for opportunities. My confidence was not at its best after NZ Idol. This time was different but I’m over singing competitively. I’d only been singing about 8 months when I started Idol and I had such a blast this time. I did my best and gave it my all but time to move onto other things.

So, does that mean you’d go on Treasure Island?
Everyone’s been asking me that (Darn, we thought it was an original question) but no way. I want to do other things on television.

Is it really one big happy family?
There have been some rumours about Joe Cotton and Emily Williams fighting and diva-like behaviour but it’s not true. They get on really well. The biggest Diva moment was when I refused to pick between Nik and Rosita last week for the elimination.

On talking about the other contestants on camera
I must have argued with them for 20 minutes saying I don’t want to pick one of them to leave when they were in the bottom two. I hate doing it. Especially with Nik and Rosie. We all find it strange. Dave’s tactic is to say something about both contestants and tell them to use what you like. I didn’t want to do it and I told them they could get Julie Christie to talk to me and it wouldn’t make any difference.

Those immunity challenges
You have someone in the bottom two who left the show who (and here Steve is very tactful) may or may not have been in the bottom two, if someone else hadn’t been given elimination. It’s gutting for the public of New Zealand. They vote but someone else gets in the bottom two.

Immunity weirds me out. I say leave it to the public.

Last week was a prime example. Someone (Rosita) took a bullet for someone else who could have been in the bottom two if it wasn’t for immunity.

This week’s immunity challenge
I don’t think you could hear it on television but last week the crowd was shouting over the judges to give the green team (our team) immunity, but the judges ignored them and chose the purple team. There’s a big difference between live and on television. The audience loved us and thought our live performance was the best. You should have heard us we did a great job.

First week’s immunity
But the thing is with that Melting Pot song (the first immunity challenge) is three-quarters of us in our group didn’t know the song. We didn’t know all the words or the melody. How can we take leadership if we don’t know the song? Camillia (Temple) knew that song inside and out. So you instantly give leadership over to the one person who knows the song. Don’t get me wrong she did an amazing job, but there is too much on the line for immunity. If it had been a Foo Fighters song it might have been me stepping up to take leadership.

Immunity is a massive things to give away when it is affected by song choice and other factors that the singers can’t control. Give them another prize like $5,000 but don’t give them immunity. It’s too precious.

Someone else takes a bullet for the bottom two because of immunity.

Will the best singer win?
People keep asking me if the best singer will win or the most popular. They keep saying the most popular singer will win. I feel completely the opposite. I think the judges are so blatantly obvious who they want to stay in the competition. They pick the immunity. They decide who wins.

I feel sorry for the public. They’re voting and it’s a waste.

(We think so too, so check out our poll and vote on whether you like this system of offering immunity)

On song choice (and judge Graham Brazier telling him not to choose a song where he sings falsetto)
Mate! That was a hard lie to swallow. That is one of my favourite songs in the world. They said I couldn’t handle Dave Dobbyn or INXS yet they have me that Silverchair song that is sung mainly in falsetto. That guy is an amazing singer and he has a huge range. I did my best with that song.

Graham is the man. He’s a legend so I didn’t say anything.

Graham’s gutted. The judges were pushed to say some negative stuff, and he probably didn’t realise it didn’t make sense. The judges just give us the song. There is no choice at all. No one knows what song they’re going to get.

On Dating - We quizzed him about Joe Cotton talking live on The Edge about Steve’s single life

She’s a shocker. I love Joe and she means the best but mate! She texted me to say she might have got me in trouble. And then my mates texted me to say she’d gone on air to tell everyone she has a massive crush on me. We’ve had heaps of talks about what I want in a girl and about my ex-girlfriends and everything but I think she took what we talked about privately and confidentially and told the whole nation about it.

So, did you get a date out of it?
Nothing came of it.

If you were out on a date who would pay?
Me for sure. It’s that Southern pride. I would always pay as much as I can. I even tried to pay for something the TVNZ publicist was buying for us.

On the subject of Southern Pride how about the Sting?
I never really knew much about them but after Idol I got asked to come sing at the Stadium during their home games and became a real fan. We’d been planning to film me singing there this weekend for Pop’s Ultimate Star but now they’ve kicked me out so that won’t be happening. But, I’m staying in Albany right now, so I phoned up and scored some tickets to their match on Friday and I’ll be going with some mates to support them.


Related Stories:
Pop's Ultimate Elimination
Episode 4: Pop's Ultimate Scam
Episode 3: Pop's Ultimate Star Ultimately Confusing
Pop's Ultimate Star: Will the best singer win?
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