The first season of New Zealand Idol was produced by Fremantle Media subsidiary Grundy Television in association with UK company 19TV, and was broadcast on TVNZ in the early half of 2004. The judges were Paul Ellis, Fiona McDonald and Frankie Stevens.

Auditions

The auditions were held at the following locations: Those who were successful would proceed to the "Top 60" theatre rounds held at the Maidment Theatre in Auckland.

Theatre Week

The successful contestants who made it through to the "Top 60" rounds would spend a gruelling three days at the theatre. The decision of the final cut to the "Top 24" was delivered to three groups of twelve, with one group being sent home.

Semi-finals

Group 1

Advancing to the Top 10: Camillia Temple, Ben Lummis and Filipo Saipani Wildcard Contender: Nigel Withington

Group 2

Advancing to the Top 10: Luke Whaanga, Dave Houma and Michael Murphy Wildcard Contender: Jessie Cassin

Group 3

Advancing to the Top 10: Robin Johnson, Sela Mahe and Eddie Gaiger Wildcard Contender: Amanda Boyce

Wildcards

Advancing to the Top 10: Jessie Cassin

Weekly Song Themes

The Top 10 Finalists

Ben Lummis

Ben Lummis (born 1 June 1978 in Wellington) was the winner of the first series of New Zealand Idol.

Michael Murphy

Michael Murphy (born 4 September 1986 in Taupō), was runner-up to winner Ben Lummis.

Camillia Temple

Camillia Temple (aged 28, from Hamilton), came third.

Luke Whaanga

Luke Whaanga, (aged 20, from Lower Hutt), was placed fourth.

Dave Houma

Dave Houma (aged 28, from Auckland), finished in fifth place.

Eddie Gaiger

Eddie Gaiger (aged 25, from the Coromandel), was placed sixth.

Robin Johnson

Robin Johnson (aged 18, from Upper Hutt), finished in seventh place.

Jessie Cassin

Jessie Cassin (aged 18, from Browns Bay, Auckland), placed eighth. Prior to Idol, Jessie was completing a Bachelor of Music, majoring in Performance Music – Classical.

Sela Mahe

Sela Mahe (aged 17, from Māngere, Auckland), finished ninth. She is of Tongan descent.

Filipo Saipani

Filipo Saipani (aged 18, from Wellington), was placed tenth.

The Grand Final

The final was held on 10 May, with the following performances:

Elimination chart

Commercial Releases