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Second - NZ Idol 2005

Nik Carlson (28) was born in Masterton 28 years ago, and for sixteen years performed in Country Music Awards around New Zealand.

At the age of 21 Nik moved to Auckland and in 2002 appeared in a TV episode of Show Stoppers (hosted by Michael Hurst and Stacey Daniels), where he met NZ Idol winner Rosita Vai.

Nik and his brother Shane, then entered their original demo song, called Watching You, and won The Coke Rhythm Nation competition run by Mai FM. As a result, the radio station paid for the re-recording of the single, and Maori Television (MTS) came on board with music video funding.

When New Zealand's highest rating television music show, NZ Idol went to air, Nik, watched by thousands of viewers throughout the county, shot to Idol stardom.

"I had always been a fan of the Idol programme but never saw myself doing it... my how things can change! Idol gave me the opportunity to work in an environment I've always dreamed about".

After Idol, Nik released a version of 'I Believe in a Thing Called Love' by UK band The Darkness, and has recently signed with ADK Entertainment who also represent Nesian Mystik and Adeaze.

"I was blown away by how much work I got after Idol finished. Every week at gigs all over the country, corporate functions, singing competitions and summer festivals. I am now supporting myself by singing fulltime. It's incredible."

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