Auckland baritone Benson Wilson has been named 2016 Lexus Song Quest winner at an award gala in Auckland.
"It's just something you know as being very special" - Judge Yvonne Kenny on Standing Room Only
Benson Wilson. Photo: Supplied
The biennial contest is for opera singers and previous winners include Dame Kiri te Kanawa and Dame Malvina Major.
It's the award's 60th anniversary this year.
Benson Wilson came second in the Quest in 2014 but this time he took the top prize.
That includes a scholarship to study at the Guildhall School of Music in London and he said he believed his voice could still improve.
Second place-getter was Filipe Manu a tenor from Auckland, and in third place was Hamilton soprano Madison Nonoa.
Judge Yvonne Kenny said she was impressed by all finalists and New Zealand's tradition of beautiful voices and refined singing continues.