Season 1

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.

1. 1. The Auditions

   1999-04-20 · 30m

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

2. 2. Forming the Band

   1999-04-27 · 30m

   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. Makeovers

   1999-05-04 · 30m

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

4. 4. Contract Drama

   1999-05-11 · 30m

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

5. 5. Recording the Album

   1999-05-18 · 30m

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

6. 6. The Music Video Shoot

   1999-05-25 · 30m

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

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

   1999-06-01 · 30m

   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. Reflecting On The TV Series & Journey

   1999-06-08 · 30m

   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. Live Concert

   1999-06-15 · 30m

   TrueBliss live concert.