New Zealand-Tongan Tenor singer Filipe Manu has been named as the winner of the 2022 Lexus Song Quest, Aotearoa's most prestigious opera competition.

Manu and runner up Felicity Tomkins were announced live on stage on Saturday, 23 July, in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Michael Fowler Centre, in Wellington.

Filipe has walked away with a life-changing immediate cash prize of $20,000, a study scholarship of $27,000, plus economy international travel up to the value of $3,000.

He has a long association with Lexus Song Quest.

“The first time I went to Lexus Song Quest, I was wearing a Warriors jersey and a snapback - I had no idea what the competition was. This year was my third time competing, and last night was a combination of hard work and my persistence over the past few years. 

“Lexus Song Quest is such an important competition for young singers, and I’m so thankful to everyone who has supported and encouraged me throughout this experience.”

Head Judge, internationally acclaimed bass baritone and previous Lexus Song Quest winner, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, said he has been very impressed with the high standard of all five finalists. 

“The talent of these young singers at the Grand Final Gala this weekend was exceptional and they all deserved their place in the Grand Final Gala of the Lexus Song Quest,” he said.

"Manu performed incredibly and I’m proud to name him the winner for 2022. But this is just the first step in the journey of all five finalists and we are all excited to see where each of these singers' careers will take them.” 

Chief Executive Officer of Lexus New Zealand, Neeraj Lala said the grand final gala was a night filled with exceptional musical talent.

“Congratulations to Filipe who was amazing on the night, but also to the other exceptional finalists who have a bright future ahead of them.”

Runner up 

Runner-up Felicity Tomkins won an immediate cash prize of $10,000 and a study scholarship of $10,000.

An additional $15,000 scholarship was also awarded by the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation to Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono, awarded for the singer who showed exceptional potential.

The next Lexus Song Quest will take place in 2024.

Thes competition began in 1956 and was back this year after a four-year hiatus due to Covid-19.

The Lexus Song Quest is produced by Tāwhiri and supported by Lexus New Zealand, the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation, Dame Malvina Major Foundation, Creative New Zealand and MagicFM.