Maorioke's Last Semi Final Will Hit The Right Note

Maorioke's Last Semi Final Will Hit The Right Note!

It's been a long journey for contestants on Maori Television's popular nationwide talent show, MAORIOKE, but the last semi final airs this Friday December 7 at 8.30 PM.

From 500 first auditions, through to just 25 semi finalists, the final five take the stage for judges Whirimako Black, Brannigan Kaa and Betty-Anne Monga.

At the end of this show, the judges will make the tough decision about which seven singers are through to the grand MAORIOKE 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 Maori performances.

The last group of five semi-finalists performing this Friday December 7 at 8.30 PM are:

LANCE KIWI, Bay of Plenty: Lance is one lucky guy - his children believe their dad is the best singer in world, he's a full time musician AND he lives in the sunny Bay of Plenty. As if that wasn't enough, he's made it through to the semi-finals of MAORIOKE. Lance lists Earth Wind and Fire along with Stevie Wonder as his favourite acts - and he chills out with a bit of fishing.

ANITA MOREHU, Upper Hutt: The divas do it for Anita. She's in awe of Aretha, mesmerised by Mariah, loves Lauren and is bowled over by Beyonce. But of all the highest ranking female performers, Tina Turner is tops for Anita. She saw her perform in Wellington and 'Let's Stay Together' is one of her favourite songs.

MARK TOHINUI, Auckland: Mark lives in Auckland and was the first Pacific Islander to get through to the semi-finals of MAORIOKE last year. He keeps his hopes and dreams largely to himself but describes this competition as being the 'best thing I've ever done for myself."

PAIHERETIA APERAHAMA, Wellington: At only 11 years of age, Paiheretia is the youngest semi-finalist through for this series of MAORIOKE. From Wellington, Paiheretia is a student at Te Kura Maori o Porirua and lists singing, composing, art, basketball, kapa haka, skateboarding and cooking as his favourite activities. This multi-talented student has not seen that many concerts but he says the Parihaka Peace Festival this year was a favourite.

LISSEL STEWART, Christchurch: Lissel's best friend went over to her house and refused to leave until she'd filled out the entry forms for MAORIOKE - that's how much faith her friends and family have in her singing talents. It's not that she's any stranger to performing - she's one half of a Christchurch covers duo - it was just the thought of being judged and on television that was overwhelming.

Mauri Ora Productions - the makers of MAORIOKE - 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 fifth and final semi-final of MAORIOKE screens on Maori Television on Friday December 7 at 8.30 PM.

ENDS

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