It’s official: The X Factor NZ‘s newest judges will be Shelton Woolright and Natalie Bassingthwaighte!
Singer/actress Natalie, 39, hails from Australia and began her music career as part of the band Rogue Traders. She’s also got plenty of experience in the judge’s chair already, having been part of the Aussie X Factor judging lineup.
“I am thrilled to be joining The X Factor New Zealand family and I can’t wait to begin mentoring my boys. We are going to have so much fun and I’m so excited to see their talents evolve. I have a few tricks up my sleeve that I hope will see them through to the very end of the competition,” Natalie said in a statement published by TV3.
Shelton is currently the drummer for rock band I Am Giant, whose debut album was certified Gold in 2011. He was previously the drummer for Blindspott.
Natalie will mentor the boys group, while Shelton will mentor the groups.
“I am absolutely stoked to be involved in X Factor NZ and I’m especially looking forward to working with the Groups,” Shelton said in his statement.
“I’ve been working with labels, filmmakers and publishers as well as producing I Am Giant and other bands for years and I can’t wait to share my expertise with fresh eager minds. This is going to be awesome, and we are going to win!”
The duo will replace now-axed former judges Natalia Kills and Willy Moon, who were fired after their tirade against contestant Joe Irvine made headlines around the world.
