TV ShowEnded

Popstars

1999

2 seasons

11 episodes

RealityDocumentary

Popstars is an international reality television franchise and a precursor to the Idol series. The series first began in New Zealand in 1999 when producer Jonathan Dowling formed the five member all-girl group TrueBliss. Popstars remains one of the most successful TV show formats of all time with the format being sold to more than 50 countries. The show was the inspiration for Simon Fuller's Pop Idol franchise.

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Cast

Peter Urlich

Mark Tierney

Joe Cotton

Keri Harper

Erika Takacs

Carly Binding

Megan Alatini

Kimbra

Vince Harder

Seasons

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.

Ep 1
1.The Auditions
20-04-199930 min
Over 500 hopefuls audition across New Zealand for Judges Peter Urlich and Mark Tierney.
Ep 2
2.Forming the Band
27-04-199930 min
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 A...
Ep 3
3.Makeovers
04-05-199930 min
The girls undergo major hair makeovers and wardrobe styling sessions to craft their public image.
Ep 4
4.Contract Drama
11-05-199930 min
Their original contract deal was unauthorized by PPolygram. Their new record deal is with Sony. Carly and Erika fight.
Ep 5
5.Recording the Album
18-05-199930 min
The group enters Air Force Studios in Auckland to track vocals for their debut 11-track album, Dream.
Ep 6
6.The Music Video Shoot
25-05-199930 min
The group undergoes styling, hair makeovers, and choreography prep to shoot their first official music video with director Andy Gale.
Ep 7
7.Media Boot Camp & Single Release (#1)
01-06-199930 min
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...
Ep 8
8.Reflecting On The TV Series & Journey
08-06-199930 min
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 gr...
Ep 9
9.Live Concert
15-06-199930 min
TrueBliss live concert.

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