Ten years ago, South Africa crowned its very first Idol: Heinz Winckler. We caught up with the singer and chatted for a while.

He says it is amazing to see how the show has grown since he entered in 2002. Winckler returned to the Idols stage during the last Season to perform with the then Top 2 Contestants: Mark and Dave.

He smiles an says: “There is a difference to performing to be Judged, and just performing… and the performing on its own is much better than performing with the judging afterwards.”

Watch what else he has to say:


His Facebook profile says that since he won Idols, he has released a double platinum selling single, 3 chart topping studio albums (One Step Closer, Come Alive and Moment of Truth) and a live DVD, performed “Chasing Shadows” on the sound track of Disney's Treasure Planet and came fourth in World Idols. He has also dappled in a bit of acting and is involved in assisting up and coming singers.

Tune into the show to watch the Top 3 perform on M-Net and Mzansi Magic this Sunday, 23 September at 17:30.

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