Opening for Elton John

A Hokitika singer-songwriter will open Sir Elton John's concert at Forsyth Barr Stadium in November. Katie Thompson was selected to open the concert after a nationwide "Open 4 Elton" promotion, which attracted 50 entries and drew more than 70,000 online votes.

She will receive air fares, accommodation and $5000 for her 30-minute cameo in front of a 30,000 crowd in the stadium.

Promoter Capital C: Concerts managing director Phil Sprey said he was impressed by the standard of the entries. Thompson had an "impressive" pedigree, he said, having recorded two albums and being nominated for the Horizon Award at the National Country Music awards in Hamilton this year.