Willy Moon
New Zealand musician Willy Moon performs on stage during the Positivus music festival in Salacgriva July 20, 2013. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins

“The X Factor New Zealand” has bagged a husband-and-wife team for the judging panel. Musicians Willy Moon and Natalie Kills are joining Melanie Blatt and Stan Walker in the upcoming second season of the TV3 series.

Earlier this month, it was announced that Blatt and Walker will be reprising their roles as judges in the reality talent competition, with Dominic Bowden hosting the show again. However, their fellow judges Daniel Bedingfield and Ruby Frost will not be coming back, leaving two seats vacant. Those seats are now occupied by Moon and Kills.

The 25-year-old New Zealand-born Moon is no stranger to the show. He was a musical guest during Week 1 of the live show in 2013. He is perhaps best known for his 2012 single “Yeah Yeah,” which was featured in a few advertisements, including the TV ads for Apple’s iPod line-up. The success of “Yeah Yeah” prompted Moon’s rise in the worldwide market.

Kills, 28, released her debut studio album “Perfectionist” in 2011 under will.i.am Music Group, the Black Eyed Peas star’s label. The English songstress had toured with the Black Eyed Peas, Katy Perry and Bruno Mars before she headlined her own in Europe.

“I’m looking forward to being a judge and I’m excited to discover the true talent that New Zealand has to offer,” Moon, whose real name is William George Sinclair, said in a statement. “We’ve always punched above our weight creatively in many fields and have shown especially in recent years a capacity for producing world-beating music and film. It’s a real thrill to finally return to my home country after spending so much time away and to get a chance to find and develop a genuine home-grown star. Can’t wait to see you all soon!”

His wife also promised, “The new season of ‘The X Factor NZ’ is going to be wild!”

She added that marrying a Kiwi has made her curious to see what more New Zealand can offer.

“...ever since I married Willy Moon I’ve had a burning curiosity to find out more about where he’s from and what makes Kiwis so irresistible!”

The couple married in May 2014 in New York City.

Pre-auditions for the show are about to conclude. The last date is on Sunday, November 2 at the Alfriston College in Manurewa, Auckland.