Bassingthwaighte, Woolright named as new X Factor NZ judges

Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Shelton Woolright have been announced as the new X Factor NZ judges.

The pair replaces departing judges Willy Moon and Natalia Kills, who were fired following their controversial outburst during Sunday night's live show.

Bassingthwaighte will mentor the Boys and Woolright will take on the Groups category, in the TV3 talent quest.

Bassingthwaighte, a multi-platinum selling artist and songwriter who has worked with many of the world's leading record producers, has previously appeared as a judge on The X Factor Australia.

"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 the 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," she said.

Her latest solo album 1000 Stars, featuring the hit singles Alive and Someday Soon, debuted at Number One album on the ARIA charts, one of only ten Australian females in history to have done so. Prior to her solo-career, Bassingthwaighte had huge international success as the lead singer of multi million selling Rogue Traders who were nominated for seven ARIA awards and Numerous MTV AVMA Awards amongst many others.

Bassingthwaighte's music career began in musical theatre productions such as Rent, Grease, Footloose and Chicago before she had joined Rogue Traders.

Woolright was formerly the drummer for Kiwi band Blindspott and is currently a drummer for rock band I Am Giant.

He says he is "absolutely stoked" to be involved in The X Factor NZ.

"I'm especially looking forward to working with the Groups. 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," said Woolright.

"This is going to be awesome, and we are going to win!"

X Factor NZ co-executive producer Andrew Szusterman said MediaWorks had a fantastic response from around the world and the music industry as they sought to recruit the judges.

"We couldn't be happier to have secured Natalie and Shelton.

"Shelton has the perfect background to be mentoring our bands and Natalie's experience in the judges seat for The X Factor Australia is invaluable."

The X Factor NZ live shows continue on Sunday at 7pm on TV3. They are also live streamed on the show's website.

Source: Press Release - MediaWorks and 3 News