Popstars

The inaugural season of Popstars screened on TVNZ's TV2 channel in 1999 and was made up of nine half-hour episodes. The show's producers received $291,170 in funding from NZ On Air. The format focused on the development of the five-piece girl group TrueBliss. The group's five members were Joe Cotton, Keri Harper, Erika Takacs, Carly Binding and Megan Alatini. Popstars followed TrueBliss as they recorded singles, music videos, album and embarked on a promotional tour of New Zealand. The show also featured series creator and producer Jonathan Dowling and musician Peter Urlich.

Popstars Season 1 release dates →

1. S1 E9

   E9

   9. Live Concert

   27 years ago

   TrueBliss live concert.

2. S1 E8

   E8

   8. Reflecting On The TV Series & Journey

   27 years ago

   With their debut album finished and instant fame taking hold, the five members look back on their whirlwind journey, reflecting on their individual growth, personal strains, and group bond.

3. S1 E7

   E7

   7. Media Boot Camp & Single Release (#1)

   27 years ago

   As public hype reaches a fever pitch, Woman's Weekly editor Wendyl Nissen puts the group through media boot camp to handle press intrusion and radio interviews. Simultaneously, the "Tonight" CD single drops nationwide, sparking massive store crowds and debuting directly at #1 on the RIANZ Singles Chart (going Platinum).

4. S1 E6

   E6

   6. The Music Video Shoot

   27 years ago

   The group undergoes styling, hair makeovers, and choreography prep to shoot their first official music video with director Andy Gale.

5. S1 E5

   E5

   5. Recording the Album

   27 years ago

   The group enters Air Force Studios in Auckland to track vocals for their debut 11-track album, Dream.

6. S1 E4

   E4

   4. Contract Drama

   27 years ago

   Their original contract deal was unauthorized by PPolygram. Their new record deal is with Sony. Carly and Erika fight.

7. S1 E3

   E3

   3. Makeovers

   27 years ago

   The girls undergo major hair makeovers and wardrobe styling sessions to craft their public image.

8. S1 E2

   E2

   2. Forming the Band

   27 years ago

   Judges Peter Urlich and Mark Tierney narrow the field down to five members: Carly Binding, Erika Takacs, Joe Cotton, Keri Harper, and Megan Alatini. The five members move into an Auckland flat together, begin intensive vocal coaching with Peter Urlich, and establish group dynamics.

9. S1 E1

   E1

   1. The Auditions

   27 years ago

   Over 500 hopefuls audition across New Zealand for Judges Peter Urlich and Mark Tierney.

In April 2021, TVNZ debuted a 24 episode second season of Popstars. The show format was revamped. Unlike the original show in 1999, it was not a documentary following the formation of a girl group. Instead, the reboot focused on individual artists — both solo artists and groups of any gender, aged 16 or older, and placed its emphasis on original songwriting from the performers themselves. The series involved a panel of three experts, headed by Kimbra, who was joined by Nathan King and Vince Harder. In the auditions phase, the singers were first assessed by vocal coaches Bella Kalolo and Jeremy Redmore. The series screened on TVNZ 2 on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights.

Popstars Season 2 release dates →

1. S2 E2

   E2

   2. Episode 2

   5 years ago
2. S2 E1

   E1

   1. Episode 1

   5 years ago

   Popstars kicks off with auditions at the Civic Theatre in Auckland. With a big cash prize on the line, hundreds turn up to perform for the Popstars panel – Kimbra, Nathan King and Vince Harder.