New X Factor NZ Judges Bassingthwaighte and Woolright

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday 19 March, 2015

MEDIAWORKS ANNOUNCE NEW X FACTOR NZ JUDGES:

MULTI-PLATINUM-SELLING ARTISTS NATALIE BASSINGTHWAIGHTE
AND SHELTON WOOLRIGHT

Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Shelton Woolright have been announced as the new The X Factor NZ judges joining Mel Blatt and Stan Walker at the desk.

Natalie and Shelton will charm The X Factor’s loyal audience with their wit and energy, ensuring The X Factor remains a favourite for the entire family.

Natalie will be mentoring the Boys and Shelton will mentor the Groups category.

Natalie is a multi-platinum selling artist and songwriter who has worked with many of the world’s leading record producers.

Her latest solo album 1000 Stars, featuring the hit singles Alive and Someday Soon, debuted at Number One album on the ARIA charts, one of only ten Australian females in history to have done so. Prior to her solo-career, Natalie had huge international success as the lead singer of multi-million selling “Rogue Traders” who were nominated for seven ARIA awards and Numerous MTV AVMA Awards amongst many others.

Natalie’s music career began in musical theatre productions such as Rent, Grease, Footloose and Chicago before she had joined Rogue Traders.

In 2011, Natalie joined as a hugely popular judge and mentor in The X Factor Australia.

“I am thrilled to be joining The X Factor New Zealand family and I can’t wait to begin mentoring my boys. We are going to have the so much fun and I’m so excited to see their talents evolve. I have a few tricks up my sleeve that I hope will see them through to the very end of the competition,” says Natalie.

Shelton Woolright first became known as a drummer for hit New Zealand band Blindspott, whose self-titled debut album, was released in 2002 and reached No 1, going platinum in New Zealand in its first week of release. Shelton is currently a drummer for rock band I Am Giant. The band was formed in London in late 2008 and released their debut album The Horrifying Truth on 1 August 2011 in Australia and New Zealand, where it has been certified Gold and delivered four Rock Chart No. 1's.

“I am absolutely stoked to be involved in X Factor NZ and I’m especially looking forward to working with the Groups. I've been working with labels, filmmakers and publishers as well as producing I Am Giant and other bands for years and I can't wait to share my expertise with fresh eager minds. This is going to be awesome, and we are going to win!”

Co-executive producer Andrew Szusterman says: “We’ve had a fantastic support from all over the world and a terrific response from the Music industry. We couldn’t be happier to have secured Natalie and Shelton as the new X Factor NZ judges. Shelton has the perfect background to be mentoring our bands and Natalie’s experience in the judge’s seat for the X Factor Australia is invaluable.”

The X Factor NZ is a SYCO owned format co-produced by MediaWorks and FremantleMedia Australia, with support from broadcast sponsor McDonald’s, and programme partners Fruttare, 2degrees, VO5, Mazda, and SKYCITY Auckland. MediaWorks is proud to have funding support from NZ on Air – supporting local content for 25 years.

The X Factor NZ

Sundays at 7pm, Mondays at 7.30pm

Watch on TV3 and LIVE at TV3.co.nz/thexfactornz

Facebook.com/xfactornz

Twitter: #xfactornz

Instagram: @xfactornz

Snapchat: tv3nz

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