Popstars
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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Seasons & episodes
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.
- 1The Auditions20 Apr 1999 · 30mOver 500 hopefuls audition across New Zealand for Judges Peter Urlich and Mark Tierney.
- 2Forming the Band27 Apr 1999 · 30mJudges 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.
- 3Makeovers4 May 1999 · 30mThe girls undergo major hair makeovers and wardrobe styling sessions to craft their public image.
- 4Contract Drama11 May 1999 · 30mTheir original contract deal was unauthorized by PPolygram. Their new record deal is with Sony. Carly and Erika fight.
- 5Recording the Album18 May 1999 · 30mThe group enters Air Force Studios in Auckland to track vocals for their debut 11-track album, Dream.
- 6The Music Video Shoot25 May 1999 · 30mThe group undergoes styling, hair makeovers, and choreography prep to shoot their first official music video with director Andy Gale.
- 7Media Boot Camp & Single Release (#1)1 Jun 1999 · 30mAs 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).
- 8Reflecting On The TV Series & Journey8 Jun 1999 · 30mWith 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.
- 9Live Concert15 Jun 1999 · 30mTrueBliss live concert.
Details
- Created by
- Jonathan Dowling, Bill Toepfer
- First aired
- 20 Apr 1999
- Last aired
- 18 Apr 2021
- Status
- Ended
- Language
- English
- Network
- TVNZ 2
- Episodes
- 11
Cast
KimbraSelf- VVince HarderSelf
