'Pacific princess' Rosita Vai was last night revealed as the NZ Idol for 2005, after winning the hearts - and votes - of the New Zealand public.

The Grand Final of NZ Idol was a 90 minute special broadcast live from South Pacific Pictures' west Auckland studios, in front of an audience of celebrities, and friends and family of the finalists. Rosita and fellow finalist Nik Carlson both gave solo performances and took part in group numbers with the rest of the NZ Idol top ten, who returned to the Idol stage for the occasion. The programme also made several live crosses to special events held in Nik's hometown Masterton and Rosita's church in Ponsonby, Auckland.

The second series of NZ Idol has attracted high ratings and been the subject of intense watercooler speculation and media attention since it began screening on TV2 in June.

Judge Paul Ellis will manage both Rosita and Nik, and is working on the 2Idolised 05 tour, a 16-centre concert tour by Rosita and six of the top 10; Nik, Rongo, Steven, Ashley, Teresa and Jesse. 2Idolised 05 kicks off in early December.

Rosita will begin recording her debut album in the next few days.

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