Deja Vu (group)

Deja Vu are a New Zealand boy band. They were formed in 1995 in by Gregory Derrick, who is also known for managing Bravesouls and B-Cool. The group's lineup has largely stayed the same since their formation, comprising tenors James Blanton and Reggie Coutts, high tenor Ken DiCosmo, baritone Sam Hector and bass Corey Hodgkinson. With Deja Vu, Coutts was the first black New Zealander to achieve commercial success in the field of pop music. Their debut album, Right Here, Right Now, was one of the highest-selling albums of 1997 in and, followed up by the successful live video Right Here, Right Now - Live in Kuala Lumpur. The follow-up, Owner of a Lonely Heart (2000) was even more successful, spawning hit singles in the form of the title track (a cover of the song), "Courage", "The Soul" and "My Love Ain't Fit For You".

As of 2021, Deja Vu are one of the most successful boy bands in, having sold 10 million records. Deja Vu have had ten no. 1 hit singles in Australia and eight no. 1 hit singles in.

Beginnings (1995-1996)
In 1995, an advertisement appeared in many New Zealand newspapers calling for auditions to form a New Zealand-based "boy band" group. The advertisements were sent out by Gregory Derrick, the former drummer of the Swedish blue-eyed soul group Special S, who was looking to create a "Kiwi ". The auditions were held in the Concert Chamber on 5th July, 1995. More than 200 people replied to the advertisement. At the auditions the applicants were asked to sing the song "The One That You Love" by. Each audition would be taped and watched again to judge the applicant's performance. Out of the 200, 30 were selected for a second audition. For the second audition the applicants where asked to sing two songs, including one of their own choice with a backing tape. James Blanton sang "Every Little Step" by, Reggie Coutts sang "Pop Song 89" by , Ken DiCosmo sang "I Just Called to Say I Love You" by , and Sam Hector sang "Emotion in Motion" by. In the end, James Blanton, Reggie Coutts, Ken DiCosmo, Sam Hector and Jay Rogers were selected.

Corey Hodgkinson, who was initially rejected, was called back in to replace Rogers, who left citing music difficulties with Blanton (Rogers would later became part of the lineup for Derrick's second boy band, Bravesouls). By then, the iconic lineup had finally taken shape, and Deja Vu played throughout 1995 in nightclubs around New Zealand and before being signed by.