Popstars

Season 1

1999 · 9 episodes · 4h 30m in all

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.

Episodes

1. 1

   1. The Auditions

   20 Apr 1999 · 30 min

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

2. 2

   2. Forming the Band

   27 Apr 1999 · 30 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 Auckland flat together, begin intensive vocal coaching with Peter Urlich, and establish group dynamics.

3. 3

   3. Makeovers

   4 May 1999 · 30 min

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

4. 4

   4. Contract Drama

   11 May 1999 · 30 min

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

5. 5

   5. Recording the Album

   18 May 1999 · 30 min

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

6. 6

   6. The Music Video Shoot

   25 May 1999 · 30 min

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

7. 7

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

   1 Jun 1999 · 30 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 "Tonight" CD single drops nationwide, sparking massive store crowds and debuting directly at #1 on the RIANZ Singles Chart (going Platinum).

8. 8

   8. Reflecting On The TV Series & Journey

   8 Jun 1999 · 30 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 group bond.

9. 9

   9. Live Concert

   15 Jun 1999 · 30 min

   TrueBliss live concert.