| Article from Heat 16-22nd February 2002 Winner Will: the first interview Will Young may have been the surprise winner but, as he tells heat in his first magazine interview since being crowned Pop Idol, he's more than ready for it. The look on Will's face said it all. When Ant announced that the 23-year-old had been voted the winner of Pop Idol, his jaw dropped in amazement. He was stunned. After all, Will's rival Gareth Gates, had been the bookies' favourite since the very early stages and many believed the result was a foregone conclusion in the 17-year-old's favour. But as Will launched into an emotional version of Evergreen moments later, the star quality that made him a worthy winner shone through. He now faces an amazing future in the music business with a guaranteed Number One hit when his single is released on 25 February. So here it is, the first magazine interview with the winner� How do you feel? [Grinning] I am absolutely ecstatic. I've always wanted to do this and throughout the competition it felt more and more right. I am so ready for it. I am up for it massively. What was going through your mind just before Ant announced the result? When he said what the votes were I though, "I am second and I have lost by that much." I just thought, "Oh well, that's not bad." I promise that's what I thought. I felt isolated - then when I heard I'd won it was like I suddenly woke up. [Laughs] It felt like I'd been hit. I could not believe it. At what point in the competition did you actually stop and think, "I could win this"? I suppose getting to the last ten. I don't think you would enter a competition like this unless you thought you could win it. But there's a difference between proving you can win it and thinking you can win it. What's the moment in the series that you're the most proud of? It was during the heats, when I spoke my mind to Simon. That was good. Was there any moment you though, "I could do better"? I cringe at my first audition [Will performed a song and dance routine to Blame it on the Boogie] but I'm still kind of proud of it. Just for walking in that room if nothing else. That was so scary. Yet few people can actually remember you getting through the initial stages. Yeah, I was in the "maybe" room [to get to the final 50]. We had to wait three-and-a-half hours. We heard the other rooms cheering and I was thinking, "There's not way I'm through." Then Simon came in and said, "I'm sorry�"[big dramatic pause] "�to keep you waiting." I just though, "You're evil!" And I burst into tears. When was the moment when you most surprised yourself during the series? Again, I think it was standing up to Simon. I suppose I was lucky because I've been trained to disagree with people in a polite way, having done politics at university. I think I was surprised how it came out because I forgot what I said until I watched it back and then I was like, "Ooh, yes! I like that!" Are you planning to make any changes to your image now you're a bone fide pop idol? I haven't been to the gym for a while and I'd quite like to get fit again. When I was at college I was dancing every other day so I do feel a bit unfit. I swim once a week at the moment, which is a bit bad. I normally run but I can't stand running in winter. Of all the songs that you sang in the final ten shows, which do you think you could have a Number One hit with? Probably the Bill Withers track Ain't No Sunshine. I'd like to think Light my Fire(the song Will sang in the show) but it'd probably be the Bill Withers. That was a great version though. [Laughs] Yeah, I don't know what happened with that really. Everything just sort of took over. What are you going to buy with your first million? I'm going to get a new mini! [Laughs] My first car was a mini and I absolutely love them. Are you prepared for how much your life is going to change now? Whatever bad times and good times are coming my way, I am ready for them. (C) Heat magazine |
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