From soaring operatic vocals to cabaret, circus and contemporary street dance, these performers will join a cast of more than 60 models, dancers and circus artists, all coming together to bring 108 wearable artworks to life.

This year’s lineup features performers Jason Chasland (Leather Lungs) and Pascal Ackermann, juggling duo Zane and Degge, opera singers Jasmine Jessen and Katherine Winitana, and dance collective Shifting Centre.

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Jason Chasland
(Leather Lungs)

Performer Jason (Jay) Chasland, better known as Leather Lungs, returns to the WOW stage after nearly two decades.  

“His energy, joy, humour, unbelievable four-octave vocal range and a bit of riotous mischief will welcome everyone and set the scene before he makes his beautiful return for our Bizarre Bra finale.” says Show Director Malia Johnston.

Wairarapa-raised, Jason first stepped onto the WOW stage during the final Nelson-based show in 2003, with his last appearance in 2007. Since then, he has become an international star, touring the world with his award-winning cabaret shows, performing alongside Adele, entertaining the Beckhams and appearing at Glastonbury Festival in 2024 and 2025.    

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Pascal Ackermann

Performer, musician, and aerial artist, Pascal Ackermann will be setting the stage alight (literally!), bringing fire and flame to the Metallic, Kinetic and Bizarre Bra sections. Renowned for his extraordinary stage presence and fearless artistry, Pascal will captivate audiences and add another layer of spectacle to the WOW stage.

Jasmine Jessen

Nelson-raised, award-winning operatic soprano Jasmine Jessen makes her WOW debut in 2026. A rising international talent, Jasmine has performed leading operatic roles in Sicily, appeared as a soprano soloist with Auckland Choral, trained with renowned mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato, and performed with Laser Kiwi's acclaimed variety show IDIOM.

Katherine Winitana

Hailing from Hawke's Bay (Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngā Ariki Kaipūtahi), Katherine Winitana is one of Aotearoa's rising soprano stars. Her musical journey spanned contemporary music, jazz and opera before finding a home in classical voice. A graduate with First Class Honours in Classical Voice, Katherine attended the New Zealand Opera School from 2020 to 2024 and spent two years as a Dame Malvina Major Studio Artist with New Zealand Opera.

Together, Jasmine Jessen and Katherine Winitana will command the stage in the Metallic section.

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Shifting Centre

Shifting Centre is an award-winning Indigenous arts collective from Te Whanganui-a-Tara. They’ll bring their signature blend of cypher, contemporary, and street dance to GLO! Keep an eye out for their movement throughout the show, including a feature in the Aotearoa section.

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Zane and Degge

Aotearoa New Zealand’s favourite comedic juggling duo, brother’s Zane and Degge will bring another layer of awe and pure joy.

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Don’t miss seeing these performers illuminate the stage at the 2026 WOW Show: GLO! this September.  

Tickets are selling fast, but there are still great seats available.  

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