Onstage, they're Idols... Offstage?

They're just everyday people. Monday night before the results show I was sitting in a lounge waiting for the show to begin. Deidre's friends and family were also there, and I got to get a glimpse into the kind of people they are, and where Deidre gets her winning personality. Out of respect for their privacy, I won't go into actual detail, but I will say this: these people are amazingly funny, friendly and personable. They seem to have a true passion for laughter, clearly like each other, and are supporting their girl Deidre all the way. Deidre joined them for a few minutes before the show, and there was no sign of a runaway ego, or any false delusions of grandeur. To me, it was if I was sitting in a restaurant in a shopping center, checking out the people the next table over. The only thing that set this group apart was that Deidre was mentioning possible song choices for next week (sorry, not going to give that away either!) She sang a few snippets out of her possibilities, and I was just blown away by the simple beauty and strength of her voice. Her voice, whether talking or singing, is loud, clear and beautiful, and she has an unmistakable confidence in her ability to sing well. I might add, she's not the only person with singing chops in her family, so don't be surprised if we haven't heard the last of the Visser name.

I honestly enjoyed getting a little glimpse into Deidre "au naturel". The people who surround her are surely contributing to her success, and for that, Deidre is very fortunate indeed.

I also got a chance to see the Idols offstage Sunday night after the Live Spectacular. Because I stayed at Gold Reef City, I was still eating at Barneys when most of the other people had left and gone home, leaving mostly the Idols and their loved ones. I got a chance to chat with a few of them. I know I've said this before, but it bears repeating: these people are amazing down to earth, normal, every day people, and they're all excellent company to keep.

Karin - regardless of how I feel about her talent, she is an amazing woman. Her smile will light up the darkest of rooms, and moods. I can't help but smile at her just to get her to smile back. Gone is that shy and uncertain girl from Grabouw, replaced by a highly likeable, beautiful (in all ways), glowing woman who has learned that she really does have a beautiful gift.

Gift is just as charming and witty as he comes across on the screen. At the press 'do after the show, he told me that my American accent reminded him of his pastor's wife. And he has a certain irresistible boyish charm - just the right blend of playful and confident, without a hint of smarm. Another one with an amazing smile.

I also got to speak to V after Sunday's show. I've said before that there was something about her that I just couldn't connect to. Speaking to her in person, I don't understand how that's possible. She is the most amazingly approachable, friendly person. She has a definite air of confidence, but not a nose-in-the-air superiority. I hope she'll find a way to communicate that better on the stage, because in reality, she's just a great woman.

That's all I have for now. I did speak with other contestants, but not really enough to give me anything to report here. I should be attending this week's shows if I can work my transportation out at a good price, so hopefully I'll have more news next week. I'm also looking into some ideas for even more in-depth material, so keep your fingers crossed (or hold thumbs, whichever you prefer!)