Remember Heinz?

2003-10-15 13:51

Ilse Arendse

Cape Town - The second Idols series is coming to an end and, come Sunday, South Africa will have a new idol.

What does last year's winner, Heinz Winckler, think of the final two contestants and what has he been up to since winning Idols? News24 asked him a few questions.

How would you describe your life since you were crowned South Africa's first idol?

"It was obviously a life-changing experience and a dream come true to win Idols. I went from being a law student, dreaming of a music career, to a recognised artist within five months.

"Since then, I have been building on this amazing opportunity and gift I was blessed with in every way I can.

"I recorded my first album, sang Chasing Shadows for the Disney movie Treasure Planet and sang at the opening match of the Cricket World Cup.

"I've also done shows in almost every part of the country and still have a number of towns to go.

"My life has changed, yes, but it was the next step for me to reaching my calling in life.

"I enjoy working hard at it and will continue to do so for years to come."

Do you think the Idols producers have delivered on their promise to make you a star?

"I don't remember them ever promising to make me a star. The winner was promised a record deal and an opportunity to become a star.

"I was given a fortunate profile because of the show and the amazing exposure I got from it, and that made me a star in some people's eyes."

What are the perks and drawbacks of winning such a competition?

"The biggest perk for me is that I get to make music for a living.

"I get to do shows all the time, I have an album in stores and my songs are getting really good radio play. Drawbacks? No drawbacks - only challenges."

Do you think established musicians take you seriously?

"I have worked with quite a few South African artists and most of them have congratulated me on winning the competition and say they enjoy my album."

Has your newfound fame affected your love life?

"It hasn't really. I'm single at the moment and happy to be. The right girl is on the way and I trust that I'll know when I meet her."

Have you made loads of money?

"I make more than when I was studying. Not a millionaire though... that was another competition."

You were a final-year law student before becoming SA's idol. Will you ever swap the stage for the courtroom?

"No. I believe that music is my calling. Having a legal background helps a lot in the music industry though - studying definitely was not time wasted."

One of last year's finalists claimed that she was exploited by her manager. Are you satisfied with the way your career is being handled?

"Yes, very much so.

Idols II is coming to an end. Do you have fears that fans will regard you as yesterday's news once a new winner is crowned?

"There's no way to predict how the public will react to the new show. What I do know is that I have many loyal fans, and that I will still have a long music career."

What do you think of the judges' 40% vote?

"It's a good thing and brings balance to the results."

Who would you like to see win and why?

"I like both Anke and Poseletso for different reasons, so I wouldn't mind seeing either of them win."

What advice would you give aspiring idols?

"To win this competition, you need to have singing talent, performing talent, the ability to connect with your audience and wow them, be disciplined in running your career, have good people skills and know you are a brand and a product that a record company wants to be able to sell.

"This all means nothing, however, if you do not firmly believe that a music career is your calling and your heart is not in it.

"If someone asks you why you want to win Idols and your answer is "I want to be famous", my advice is to seriously reconsider you motives."

When can fans expect a new CD from you?

"I'm working on a new album and the plan is to release round about the end of March 2004."

- News24