Niamh Crooks, 18, was one of 101 entrants in the Spark New Zealand Open Audition music competition.
It all started when she posted a video submission of her singing a duet with rapper JessB to TikTok.
Ms Crooks, who said she had always wanted to be a pop star, did not know whether to laugh or cry when she heard she was a finalist.
After leaving Bayfield High School she moved to Christchurch to enrol in a musician development programme.
She started learning guitar at 13, had released five self-produced songs by 15 and another song since.
Her life goal was to be an artist who collaborated with others to create music.
"I love music because it is a perfect way to express yourself.
"If you’re sad you can listen to sad music to make you sadder, happy music to make you happier."
As a finalist, she received a one-on-one mentorship with recording studio Big Fan and the chance to perform on live radio in the hopes of winning a public vote.
Spark Open Audition judge and Big Fan mentor Noema Te Hau (Rongomaiwahine, Ngāti Porou) said it was not easy to select a top three, a testament to the talent of the selected mentees.
"Niamh has a soft modern pop singer-songwriter vocal tone that was quite different to other entries, and her entry felt authentic and full of potential."
The winner will be announced on November 28.
They will win a $10,000 prize, further studio time and credit for the Rockshop.
tim.scott@odt.co.nz , PIJF cadet reporter
