Heinz has gained instant fame and is the latest heart-throb and sex symbol on television.

The 24-year-old law student knows what he wants and where he comes from and is proud of it. He has his feet planted firmly on Mother Earth - an essential component for popstars.

Heinz attended the Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch and acquired a BA and later LLB law degrees at the University of Stellenbosch.

"I have quit my studies for the time being," he says. "I do plan on completing them later, but when or how .... My reasoning being: I have come thus far, so I might as well complete my degree."

Heinz is relaxed and while chatting with him one gets a pretty good idea of who he really is.

"When we entered Idols we were asked to describe ourselves in 10 words: I wrote: 'I'm a passionate musician who wants to inspire people'," Heinz explains.

"I'm passionate about people even though first impressions about me are that I'm not too accessible. I'm a people's person and crazy about music! The best way to discover who I really am, is to get to know me better," he says with a laugh.

In his spare time

He keeps active in his spare time. Swimming, gym and bodyboarding are high on his list of activities.

"I'm crazy about swimming and spending time on the beach. It's good for the soul."

He also loves the movies, music, his guitar and when in the mood, he even pens a song or two.

A relaxing braai at a friend's house is also a welcome option.

What irritates him? Hypocrites who step over people to get to the top.

What makes him smile? When a pretty girl smiles at him, he has to smile back! Beautiful music also has that effect on Heinz.

"Music that touches my soul. Be it classical or contemporary music - as long as it touches me," he says.

Another passion is langarm (similar to ballroom) dancing. He says he always laughs while dancing.

Heinz started playing the piano at 11, but stopped when he discovered the guitar six years later. He taught himself to play the guitar and discovered a natural talent to compose music. In addition, he is a member of a university church orchestra.

He also plays the drums and the harmonica.

His favourite music genres are acoustic rock and good pop.

Heinz's message to the youth: "Something many people need to hear, is that every individual was given certain talents, but that those talents do not necessarily place them in the limelight. That should not prevent you doing what you are good at! The fact that people don't say 'Wow he's amazing', doesn't mean you are not good! In any case, you're not here to impress people!

"My biggest gift has coincidentally put the spotlight on me and it's definitely not that easy. If you have a gift, it's important to do everything to the best of your ability. Don't think that you're no good if you're not in the spotlight."

Learning to focus

He doesn't think he has changed since becoming part of Idols, but he has definitely gained confidence. "I have learnt things about myself I never knew. We were thrown in at the deep end with instant media interest and public recognition. It is difficult but one learns to focus and stay positive!"

Heinz says he realised for the first time the previous day just how lonely the industry, he now finds himself in, can be. "Particularly when you're far from home. For the first time I realised just how much I miss my family and friends!

"I did not realise the power of spending quality time with your own people!"

As someone who takes his life one day at a time, he has to think fast when asked where he sees himself in the next five years. "Hopefully with quite a few albums under my belt and on the brink of my first world tour, accompanied by a massive band - I wanna go big!"