Wim Soutaer

Wim Soutaer (born June 27, 1974 in Halle, Belgium), was a contestant best known for placing third in "Idool 2003", the Belgian version of "Pop Idol".

Biography

Wim began singing in the early 1990s with his school band "State Of Mind" who performed benefit concerts of original songs & also covers of Pearl Jam, Nirvana & Metallica. When the guitarist left, they renamed themselves Bodhi & played at many festivals around Belgium, they also competed in many competitions including "Rockvonk" & placed third in "KumoRock".

In 2000, Wim wanted to sing solo & joined the project Soundmixshow a sort of precursor talent show to Idool, Wim placed fourth in competition overall, at this time he compared his style to Billy Joel, Mike Patton & Elton John.

In 2003, Wim entered the auditions for the contest Idool 2003 where he was told by jury member Jan Leyers that he has a good voice for Flemish music. After Wim placed third on the show he gained a recording contract with BMG Belgium & recorded his first CD Een Nieuw Begin (A New Start) which was produced by Ronald Vanhuffel who has had previous success with Blof & Volumia, the first single was "Allemaal" (Everyone) which was a huge hit reaching #1, selling 40,000 copies & winning the Zomerhit 2003 Best Song Of The Year.

The second single from Een Nieuw Begin was "Ik Hoor Bij Jou" (I Belong To You), the third was "Voor Altijd" (For Always) which was another #1 hit on the Ultratop 50.

In August 2004, Wim released his second CD Twee (Two) & his first live DVD "In Miami". This was followed by his first tour "Twee" around Flanders, as well as a live performance on the popular live music show "Tien Om Te Zien".

October 2005 brought a management change for Wim who signed with "Niels William". He currently has an assembled team of writers including Hans Francken (Clouseau) & released his new single "Die Zomer Gaat Nooit Voorbij" which was released on June 17 as a sample for his third CD which is slated for release in October 2006.

Since 2001 he is married with Axelle Reuters. He and Axelle are expecting their first baby at the end of March 2007.

Discography

Idool 2003 Performances

Brussels Auditions: "Honesty" by Billy Joel Theatre Round Day One: "Better Man" by Robbie Williams Theatre Round Day Two: "Uptown Girl" by Billy Joel Theatre Round Day Three: "Faith" by George Michael Top 50: "Honesty" by Billy Joel Top 10: "Drops Of Jupiter (Tell Me)" by Train Top 9: "With Or Without You" by U2 Top 8: "Afscheid" by Marco Borsato Top 7: "Iris" by Goo Goo Dolls Top 6: "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye Top 5: "Mack The Knife" by Louis Armstrong Top 4: "Hero" by Enrique Iglesias Top 4: "The Rhythm Divine" by Enrique Iglesias Top 3: "Love Is All Around" by Wet Wet Wet Top 3: "Blauw" by The Scene

ee also

*Idool 2003
*Belgian music

External links

* [http://www.wimsoutaer.be Official website]
*