Run by the Wanaka Musicians Society Inc, the show was founded by Cardrona farmer Jamie Robertson, who is still heavily involved as the committee chairman-treasurer and the rhythm guitarist for the show band.
Inspired by the Stars in Their Eyes British television show, Mr Robertson, who was "always doing fundraising things ...school dances, talent quests", roped in some musical mates and put together a small-town take-off of the televised version, albeit with a slight variation on the name.
From the inaugural Stars in Your Eyes show at the Cliffords Hotel (now Wanaka Hotel), the transformation of regular local folk, whose identity is kept secret until after their act, into singing and dancing pseudo-celebrities was a winning formula.
"It was a Friday night and we put 60 seats out, charged them 10 bucks each, and 120 people turned up," Mr Robertson said.
"They all squeezed in."
Like its British big brother, Stars in Your Eyes was originally a contest, but quickly evolved into an entertainment show.
Demand continued to grow, prompting a move across the road to the old Wanaka town hall, which held about 160 people.
The show was extended to two nights, then three, then eventually its present-day four-night run after the opening of the 380-capacity Lake Wanaka Centre, in 2001.
A professional-looking set and video projection for screening clips about the artists and crew between acts have been added over time.
A 10-piece band provided the "live" quality which made the show such a hit, coupled with Queenstown radio personality and show stalwart Craig "Ferg" Ferguson, who had "the gift of the gab" in his role as compere, Mr Robertson said.
Singers audition for the show, and while some of the same faces feature year after year, there are always plenty of new crooners hoping for their moment in the spotlight.
Early on, Mr Robertson registered the show as an incorporated society.
"I didn't want anyone to take it over and start making their own money out of it. That would have really annoyed me. They tried in Queenstown but they only had a karaoke machine ... it went for about three years and then folded up."
The show, which costs about $40,000 to produce, gives about $15,000 a year to music departments in Upper Clutha schools and preschools.
"It's Wanaka's longest-running and probably most profitable show.
"It's been amazing how it's gone for so long and it's still popular."
So popular, in fact, that when tickets go on sale, queues typically stretch out the door of the Lake Wanaka Centre and down the road as people scramble for the best seats in the house.
"A lot of things just go for three or four years and they die, but Stars in Your Eyes, it's still got the same strengths it had from day 1. It never looks like it's going to stop, which is great."
This year's show, which runs from Wednesday through to Saturday, will feature nearly 50 performers across 21 acts.
Some tickets are still available for Wednesday and Thursday through Wanaka Mitre 10.
