GEORGE NEWS - "It took 12 long years of getting nowhere. But now I've done it."

Elvis Blue has conquered the world, but Jan Hoogendyk knows that it took blood, sweat and tears to reach his dream.

On Tuesday night one of the nicest guys in the whole wide world was crowned the sixth South African Idol, opening magical musical doors to this humble music teacher from George.

In the biggest paid voter turn-out in the history of South African Idols a whopping 64% of South Africa thought he was the best - a resounding victory after a closely contested match. His rival, Lloyd Cele from Durban, who became a close friend of his during the past seven months, managed to get just 36% of the vote, but is still getting a very nice consolation prize of R250 000!
Last week, after the semi-finals the two contestants made a pact that no matter who wins, they would split the half million cash prize 50-50.

Fans in the jam-packed Mosaïek Teatro in Johannesburg burst into tears of joy and wonder as Elvis announced that in effect both of the new stars would be winners. Behind the scenes, the initial response of the sponsors and organisers were one of disbelief and they tried to dissuade the two friends, but the brothers in arms stuck to their guns and now Lloyd has his own money to further his musical career.

At the press conference after Elvis was crowned king (or Idol if you wish) he said he was feeling very emotional. "Winning Idols is a milestone of note. You reflect on things the way you do when you turn 30 or 40 or at the birth of your child. Something is happening inside of me, something huge."

Elvis said he can’t wait to return home and would love to just play to a small audience in his home town again. "I don't know when I'm coming back, but it will be within the next two weeks." This is Jan speaking, because Elvis may be in for a surprise. Harry Voerman from Universal Studios wants the Elvis Blue album ready for release by the first week of December, ready to hit the shelves for Christmas.

His wife, Chireze says she and baby daughter Lila have made peace with all the life-changing events. "This is what we wanted and now we will give it everything we’ve got."

Elvis' advice to aspiring Idols: "Whatever you do, it will all be worth it as long as you enjoy it."
He also wins a brand-new Ford Figo, a Samsung home theatre system and DVD player, a professional wireless microphone system from Shure valued at R15 000, Yamaha musical equipment worth R50 000 and vouchers worth R20 000 from Truworths.

Download Elvis’ Idols single, Things my father said and runner-up Lloyd Cele’s single Thanks to you by sms’ing ‘Father’ or ‘Thanks’ to 39400. Each track costs R15.

ARTICLE: ILSE SCHOONRAAD
More photos here: http://www.georgeherald.com/gallery.aspx?gpid=203&gid=5


A long-postponed kiss for her very own Idol! Cherize congratulates husband Elvis Blue shortly after his crowning. Photo: Ilse Schoonraad