GEORGE NEWS - The Garden Route Idol, Elvis Blue from George sailed through another week of tough competition after taking quite a chance with his own version of a classic hit from the disco era.
Elvis sang If I can’t have you, by seventies disco queen Yvonne Elliman, slowing it down to a tender ballad.
Unfortunately poor Bongi, one of the judges’ favourites, was not that lucky and lost out in the vote on Tuesday. The judges also did not see their way clear to save him.

Elvis Blue, or Jan Hoogendyk to his friends, told the George Herald that Bongi’s ousting came as a shock. "He is an excellent musician and very talented. It just proves that anything can happen and that life takes funny turns. The one moment you’re riding the crest of the wave and the next moment you’re out. I take it one week at a time and enjoy every moment."
Chireze, his wife, says it is important that fans vote right from the start. "Many supporters said that they will start voting when Elvis is in the top three, but that may be too late. To keep him in the running everyone should vote now. The fact that Bongi is out proves this."

She said that as the show continues, the pressure increases but with the support of the fans nothing can go wrong. "The MNet crew will soon visit George to gauge the local support, so please everyone, we need his face everywhere. Supporters can contact me for a design to put on t-shirts. Imagine how great it will be when MNet hits town and everywhere people are wearing Elvis Blue t-shirts!"

Elvis, a keen surfer, says he misses home. "The first thing I’ll do when I get back is to catch a wave at Victoria Bay."
In the meantime Elvis is practising a local song for the broadcast on Sunday night. The theme is ‘Home Brew’ and he is looking forward to the performance.

To vote for Elvis from Sunday evening through to 22:00 on Monday, SMS 10 to 3740, or call 086 227 7710 from your landline, or 083 901 0210 from your cellphone, or vote for Elvis on MXit.
To get the Elvis Blue image for your t-shirt, send an e-mail to Chireze Hoogen-dyk at chireze@mono.co.za.

Article: Ilse Schoonraad