Musical students from around Auckland have been taking part in the final of Stand Up Stand Out in Manurewa on Friday night.
Some of the musicians and dancers are stars in their own right, with performances in earlier rounds going viral.
And in the absence of big TV talent quests, Stand Up Stand Out is where the performers of the future are emerging.
"I think this has always been better if I'm honest, but I do think that's because it's grassroots, and you're actually getting the core and real talent that are doing things without any strange vetting that goes on," says judge Cherie Mathieson.
Reigning solo champ Irene Folau says it's an amazing platform.
"Just for people of my kind, people of my age just to showcase what they love doing and their passion, so it's really important."
Her singing has already gone viral - tens of thousands around the world have watched in awe her rendition of Gnarls Barkley's 'Crazy'.
"I get that a lot, people think that I'm that innocent person but I can tell you I'm a little bit crazy," she says.
But others among the 25 finalists, whittled down from 700 entrants, are brimming with talent and judges say the bar is rising.
"The visibility of this event, the energy of the event has enabled the kids to step up and realise that this is a really amazing competition or platform to go into bigger and better things," Ms Mathieson says.
In Friday night's final, Irene promised a twist on the biggest stage, and delivered a winning performance.
The final was proof if needed that there is still plenty of musical talent being nurtured here, talent that may go far.
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