Heinz takes on the world

2003-12-15 22:20

Thinus Ferreira

Cape Town - South Africa's Idols winner, Heinz Winckler, claims he is not afraid to face Simon Cowell, known for his caustic tongue where contestants are concerned.

Cowell, who sharpened his tongue on British and American Idols contestants, is one of the judges in the World Idol competition, which Winckler will participate in on Tuesday night.

The competition, which takes place in London, will only be screened in South Africa on M-Net on December 24.

Viewers will have 24 hours to vote for their favourite contestant. The winner will be announced during the second programme, which will be screened on M-Net on January 1 at 19:30.

Elton John is expected to make a special appearance during this episode.

"I am always nervous after I have sung but I am not worried about Simon," said Winckler.

"The biggest test will be that I am satisfied with my performance. I am happy when I know I have done my best and not made any mistakes," he added.

Winckler said however, that he had a surprise in store but he would not elaborate. "I can't say but I am going to make South Africa proud."

Winckler will have a mere two minutes and 15 seconds to impress the world with his rendition of Aerosmith's "I don't want to miss a thing".

However, South Africans will not be allowed to vote for Winckler. Voters will not be allowed to vote for the Idols contestant from their county.

The songs that the other ten contestants will sing are as follows:

Guy Sebastian (Australia) What a wonderful world

Peter Evrard (Belgium) Lithium

Ryan Malcolm (Canada) He ain't heavy, he's my brother

Alexander Klaws (Germany) Maniac

Jamai Loman (Netherlands) Sorry seems to be the hardest word

Kurt Nilsen (Norway) Beautiful day

Diana Karazoun (pan-Arabic countries) Ensani Ma Binsak

Alicja Janosz known as Alex (Poland) I don't know how to love him

Will Young (England) Light my fire

Kelly Clarkson (America) You make me feel.

For more information visit www.worldidol.tv

- Die Burger