Heinz takes on the US
2005-09-22 10:29
Cape Town - While South Africa's first Idols winner, Heinz Winckler, is preparing to take the stage with Diana Ross and Christina Aguilera, this year's finalists will be gearing up for the first Top 12 show on Sunday.
Winckler, who has plans to launch an international singing career, recently returned from America where he visited Los Angeles, Nashville and New York.
He met with several songwriters and agents, "but nothing is fixed yet", he said.
Winckler is looking for a suitable American manager to promote his singing career on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.
In the meantime he is preparing for a gala concert in November where he will share a stage with Aguilera, Ross and South African stars like Danny K and Nianell.
The concert is in aid of Unite Against Hunger and the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund.
Winckler, who has been following the show on television, said Idols is an incredible programme.
"There is a lot of talent and it is clear that the budget is bigger this time around.
"The fact that there is a live band from early on in the series will definitely help the contestants," he said.
The first Top 12 show will air on M-Net at 17:30 on Sunday.