It’s barely
been a month since Capetonian Jody Williams became the youngest person to win
South African Idols, but she has already become a media darling. In a short
space of time, she has gone from a unknown 17-year-old to an overnight
celebrity, gracing covers of magazines, being interviewed on TV and radio, and
performing in front of thousands around the country.
As if that’s
not enough, her victory in the fourth season of Idols saw her win a recording
deal with Sony BMG, R100 000 in cash, a Citroen C2, and musical equipment that
will help her to further her career.
She told the
Sunday World in a recent interview:
"I prepared myself to be in second place. The judges gave her (Andriette
Norman) the best comments, so I thought I was going to lose. When they
announced my name, I was like, ‘Oh my word! Could it really be me, Jody, the
winner?’ To say I was shocked is an understatement."
But the biggest
surprise for Jody, who only started singing four years ago in her local
community of Milnerton, was the announcement that she would be the opening act
for her Idol Celine Dion, when she tours South Africa next month.
The shy teenager
had just finished rehearsals for a variety show, featuring some of SA’s top
entertainment personalities, when gsport
called to tell her she’d been chosen as our January Style Star, and she
couldn’t contain her excitement.
But this
sports fanatic, who loves soccer and cricket, admitted that prior to Idols, she
lived in her tracksuits and trainers. Now, though, she has fallen in love with
a new style, which includes gorgeous dresses and high heels!
Jody is
naturally slim and admits she doesn’t need to exercise to maintain her
beautiful petite frame. But she did play sport in primary school, and admits if
she were to have pursued a career in sport, she probably would have taken up
high jump.
Her shopping
experience has taken on a whole new look since Idols, but she still enjoys
shopping at Total Sports and Sports Scene, and her favourite brands
are Adidas, Puma, and Nike.
Her style
icons include Christina Aguilera and Usher and her biggest musical influence,
aside from Celine Dion, is Michael Jackson!
While Jody
is keen to always make music, she is also determined to finish her matric, even
if it takes her two years.
Expect great
things from this teen music sensation, who is already being hailed as a role
model by South Africa’s
youth who will take great inspiration from her Idols win. Watch out for her
debut CD which is due for release shortly.
Introducing
gsport’s 2008 January Style Star, South Africa’s youngest ever winner
of Idols, Jody Williams!
Jody, how have you been since you won Idols?
I’m feeling
good. It’s been a bit hectic and a bit tiring but I’m hanging in there. I have a
show tonight with the Egoli cast and I am really excited.
How does it feel to have become an overnight singing
sensation in South Africa?
It feels
good because I never thought I’d be doing this so soon, as this age. I thought
maybe later in life, but I’m not complaining, I’m loving it.
How does it feel to be the youngest ever winner of
Idols?
It makes me
feel different from the other people that won because I am the youngest one
after all. So, it feels good – I feel sort of special… laughs!
What’s it like settling into a life of a celebrity
because that’s what you’re thrown into as soon as you win a competition like
this?
It feels
weird from the normal life I had because you can’t really walk into a shop
without being noticed. They (the fans) get so excited … it looks like they’re
going to faint when they see me … laughs!
How have your family and friends reacted to you and
your new found fame?
They are
very excited for me, my father especially. He is so proud of me. My friends are
going on like mad people at school these days.
What was it like going home after being away at
Idols for four months?
It was such
a nice feeling to see them again after such a long time. But when you’re in
Idols you don’t really think of them when you’re there, because Idols keeps you
busy, so I didn’t miss really miss them when I was away… laughs!
Are you doing your matric next year?
Yes, I am.
I’m doing three subjects this year and the following year I’ll do my other four
subjects so I’ll still be doing my schooling. I’d like to finish my matric
because its important but if I don’t my father will kill me, so I have to…
laughs!
What prompted you to enter Idols?
My father
saw the advert in the newspaper. I wasn’t going to enter but he said why not
enter – you never know what could happen. When I was making it through every
round, I was thinking maybe I can win this – I was always going through to the
next round. I had such a strong competitor – especially with Andriette – she
was a really strong competitor for me?
What was your biggest challenge being part of Idols
and how did you deal with it?
Challenges,
I take them – I don’t drop a challenge – I will take a challenge. As far as the
judges feedback – I just thought that’s just their opinion – just four people.
Maybe next time I could just do better and impress them.
What was your fondest memory from the Idols
Spectacular?
Meeting all
those singers in Idols; its like a little Idols family for me.
Has it sunk in yet that you will be opening act for
Celine Dion’s SA tour next month?
No it
hasn’t! I’m so excited and I can’t wait for next year – to see what kind of
person she is. I don’t even know what to say to her. I’ll probably want to ask
her how she got into music. I love her voice and I love her music. I can’t
wait…
Aside from Celine Dion, who are your other biggest
music influences?
I would say
Michael Jackson!
Who are your favourite South African artists?
Danny K and
Mafikizolo
What happens after matric?
I want to go
out there and make music. I want to go international and I’d love to perform in
the UK.
How would you define your personal style before you
went onto Idols?
My personal
style was pants … (laughs)! I never used to wear dresses at all. I used to love
my tracksuit pants. I used to wear that at home with takkies. I love takkies –
I won’t go out and buy high heels – I would go for takkies!
How much did your style evolved while on Idols?
I knew if I
had to be on TV I had to look presentable and my style back then wasn’t
presentable … laughs! So I had to change it and I got into dresses and
fashionable things and stuff like that. Now I am into those kinds of things and
I am buying them so it’s quite weird.
Did you enjoy the dresses you wore on Idols?
Yes I did,
especially the orange dress and the leggings?
Where do you enjoy shopping for clothes?
For my type
of clothes – Total Sports and Sports Scene – I am very sporty.
Your favourite clothing brands?
Adidas,
Puma, Nike
What is always in your handbag?
Lip gloss
and a cell phone
Do you have a beauty routine?
No, I don’t
… laughs!
Who are your style icons?
Christina
Aguilera – but not as daring. Usher as well, he dresses well.
What are your favourite colours?
Favourite
colour black and lilac
What is your favourite food?
Curry
What are your hobbies?
I listen to
music and I read. I read Harry Potter and I like the new book.
How do you keep fit?
Keep fit? I
don’t do anything… I’m naturally this thin… laughs!
Do you play sport?
Not now, but
when I was in primary school, I did sprints and long jump, high jump and shot
put. If I did carry on, I would have done high jump.
What are your favourite spectator sports?
I watch
cricket and soccer on TV.
Who are your favourite sports stars?
One of the
Williams sisters – not sure which one it is… I like Herschelle Gibbs as well.
Which teams do you support?
In soccer – Barcelona. In cricket, I
support the Proteas, obviously!
gsport strives to celebrate femininity. How would
you define femininity and what role does it play in your life?
It means a
lot to be a woman. I think women should be respected in many different ways.
Some people out there don’t appreciate us.
What inspires you?
All musical
artists inspire me to just go out there and sing!
Who are your role models and why?
My role
model is Christina Aguilera.
What advice do you have for young women who are
struggling to find their passion in life?
I would say
don’t give up. It doesn’t matter what people say, just don’t give up. Always go
out there and try. That’s what I did and look where I am.
What is your greatest ambition?
To always be
making music. I always want to make music. I don’t want to fade away. I’ll
always be there making music for South Africa.
Read More:
2008 January
Woman: Betty Mokoena
2008 January
Woman in Media: Renelle Naidoo
2008 January
gSTAR: Stacy Bregman
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