The ubiquitousness of reality TV can't be escaped even in Rarotonga where there's only one TV signal. In fact, last night we witnessed something very few people outside of Rarotonga will ever see -- surreal(ity) TV. The Cook Islands has its on version of Pop Idol (UK), American Idol (USA), New Zealand Idol. In fact, there's been much debate among us travelers about where all this Idolness started. Some are convinced the UK, others NZ -- we have not been lobbying for the US as the impetus hoping beyond all hope that this is not one more insidious US trend. But we digress! Raro Idol 2005 is underway in Avarua, Rarotonga at The Staircase Restaurant and Bar. And for the price of $30NZ (roughly $21US) you can enjoy dinner and the show. And what a show it was. Mark, (you might remember him from the Oct. 21 dinner post -- the nice young UK pre-professional on gap year before going on to become a solicitor in a very prestigious mergers and acquisitions law firm that we can't remember the name of) joined us for the festivities.

There are two co-hosts, Mel (a local from Manihiki island) who provides the commentary in Cook Islands Maori, and a young fellow who's name we can't understand, who seems a little stiff and uncomfortable on stage. And oh yes there are judges. We're pretty sure that Simon Cowell has no fears for his position as Mister Mean. The judges, in typical Cook Island form, are gracious and nice to every contestant; even though some contestants could benefit from a little more critical assessment (nothing harsher than: remembering the lyrics to the whole song could be beneficial next time). The judges included a local lawyer, who provided great comic relief and a member of the Cook Islands Parliament, Piho Rua, who on Monday was convicted for not filing tax returns -- oops!

The contest started as a series of karaoke qualifying heats (are you starting to get a picture yet?). We have been lucky enough to be here during the month-long semi-finals. The grand prize for the winner is $2000NZ, a record contract with the local Rarotonga Records company and a round trip flight to NZ. (There might be more, but this is what we've learned so far.) The first runner up wins $1000NZ.

The first contestant performed an original rap waxing not so rhapsodically about life on the islands. Drunk, stoned or sober, I won't go over ..... yep, disaffected youth are everywhere! The next contestant was so nervous he forgot the majority of his lyrics, but covered nicely by interacting with the crowd about his nervousness, very cheeky. The crowd seemed to love him!

Then, Tungane, a lovely young lady came out decked in a red sequin bandeau style top with a black/red sharkskin style bandana cut lycra skirt -- very shiny. She proceeded to sing I Wanna Dance With Somebody. With all the motions, come on you know you've done it in front of a mirror before. It looked just like that!

We were somewhat surprised when George, a good looking man in his 50s came out and wowed the women in the crowd with his moves (ala Tom Jones with a little native flourish) and wowed everybody with his sweet voice (reminiscent of Smokey Robinson) as he sang Rock You Baby. We were impressed. But pretty sure no one had shared the world's music with the island since the 1980s.

One performer, Margaret, came out in local dress with her flower headdress - they really do wear them here and the frangipani (known as tipani here) are intoxicatingly fragrant. She sang a sweet ballad in Cook Islands Maori that when translated turned out to be Freddy Fender's country and western classic "I'll be there before the next teardrop falls". Anyone shocked that we even know this bit of trivia?

We had performers singing hits from CCR's "Proud Mary" to Gloria Gayonor's "I Will Survive". It was a real hoedown. The evening's final performer, Thomas, was a big fellow who honestly looked a little like Wayne Newton. But when he sang he was more like Aaron Neville, sweet sweet sweet. Amazing voice.

As part of our dinner package we were given the opportunity to vote for our favorite idol. Our votes were split among George and Thomas. Right then and there we all three decided we needed to come back for more of this so we have reservations for the next two weeks of performances. Unfortunately the two of us will be leaving the day before the finals, but Mark promises to keep us posted on the outcome. So look for more next week. Check out the photos of this week.

Always remember, 'the journey is the prize'.

Val & Eric