Under the headline "Heinz: Pop Idol / Gay Icon", Heinz smiles from the cover of monthly gay newspaper Detail, which hit Cape Town's shelves on Wednesday.

Detail says Heinz had the gay community in a state during the knock-out rounds of the Idols competition and the community campaigned for support for him among gays, also on websites and e-mail.

The Stellenbosch law student's appearance obviously went down well with the gay community, but Detail says a pretty smile does not make an Idol - it was his voice and modest attitude which saw him through.

'Happy if they buy my CD'

British Pop Idol Will Young caused a stir when he announced that he was gay shortly after winning the competition.

Responding to the Detail report, Heinz says: "A fan is a fan and I don't want to discriminate between people on the grounds of their sexual orientation".

"Everyone knows I'm not gay, but I'm also not homophobic. If people support me and buy my CD, I'm happy. Everyone is equal and should be treated with love."

Although he expects "conservative Christians" may wonder how he as a Christian can be comfortable with gay support, Heinz says: "What is the most important commandment? Love thy neighbor."

Artists don't choose their audience and are grateful for any support.

Marcus knew about campaign

Heinz says he wasn't aware of the e-mail campaign in his support among the gay community, but he has heard rumors of it.

"I believe singing talent should come before appearance. If the looks are there, it's a bonus. If that's why people voted for me, I will have to work harder at my singing!"

Detail editor Wayne Sullivan says another favorite among the gay community was Melanie, the Idols princess.

Idols marketer and manager Marcus Brewster says he knew about the e-mail campaign to raise votes for Heinz.