NZ Idol Runner Up Opens Up About Sex Change

NZ Idol contestant, formerly called Nik Carlson, will have her gender reassignment surgery documented in an upcoming episode of new TV One showBeauty and the Beach, Woman's Day reports.

Carlson was runner-up in the 2005 series of NZ Idol, losing to Rosita Vai, and was also runner-up to Joe Cotton in the 2007 talent series Pop's Ultimate Star.

Nik Carlson performs in the 2005 talent show NZ Idol.

In the latest edition of Woman's Day, Lee reveals she had four operations in Phuket to complete her gender reassignment.

"I enjoyed being male - I had a good life as a guy. But while I never felt trapped in a man's body, I knew I had another side of me I wanted to explore," Lee tells WD.

Lee says she now feels complete and is looking for love.

Her episode of Beauty and the Beach screens on July 7.

nzherald.co.nz