Beautiful day for pop plumber
2004-01-02 11:22
London - Norwegian male singer Kurt Nilsen Thursday won the "World Pop Idol" television talent show.
Nilsen, 25, a plumber before becoming a professional singer, was crowned world pop idol following a special edition of the talent contest involving winners of the British and overseas shows.
Nilsen, who sang Beautiful Day by Irish rock band U2 in front of a live studio audience in London, beat off the challenge of US Pop Idol Kelly Clarkson to take top spot.
Belgian Idol Peter Evrard was third in the contest that featured 11 singers.
South African Idol Heinz Winckler came fourth in the competition beating UK pop sensation and first ever Pop Idol winner Will Young, who came fifth.
The first Pop Idol show appeared in Britain in 2001, becoming an instant success. Similar series followed in 10 other countries - all designed to manufacture pop sensations.
Viewers from the competitors' countries voted to choose their world idol with Nilsen scoring maximum points in nine of the 11 polls.
"This is totally amazing," said a tearful Nilsen after being crowned champion. Turning to his fellow competitors, he said: "I love you guys."
Nilsen won the Norwegian version of Pop Idol last May - his subsequent single She's So High instantly topping the Norwegian charts