"Idols" of the Other Countries

[Ducky]

Ah well, title is bit bad but tells what it's about. American Idol is thing for itself, it's huge and so on, but what about other countries? Most run Idols so how far it has been? I never really follow those, but I cannot avoid hearing them. TV, papers, radio :lol: Quality has been .. erm... strange over the years.
So here is something from Finland.
First year, top 3 all did well. I actually liked the winner, Hanna Pakarinen, and she was our entry in Helsinki ESC.

Here's few of her song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPrr94QhkRM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvRFFCb-hUo

the other two sing in finnish, and IMHO they (both men) are just...icky.

Then 2nd winner was this guy, WHOWASJUSTTOOCUTE and was eventually total flop. He only made one album
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZx4SAhJ_DU

(IMHO woman, Katri Ylander, who became 2nd was rather better)

3rd winner (2007) was Ari Koivunen. Another who I don't like, even tho he was considered "heavy metal singer"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ow0lfsj7bQ
again, my fave was one who become 2nd, Anna Abreu. She's half portuguese so she's done music also in portuguese and I think she plans to make an album in portuguese.
I cannot believe how someone so small (I think she's something 150cm :lol can have such a great voice, Here's one single
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gH1xmKSAwbI
and this is sang live in Idols (Juanes - A Dios Le Pido)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MORRS7bBe_0

And the latest (2008) winner is Koop Arponen (Finnish-Dutch)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcrMMMJ34dk
I heard that single a million times last summer. Heh, 2008 I watched more since there was one old schoolmate (he got to top 24 )

2009 we had no Idols.. and neither this year.. unless it's held in autumn.

So how's it in other countries? I've noticed that in Eurovision Song Contest, some countries have sent their Idols winners to ESC

 

[Destiny]

Well I am in America but I just wanted to say how nice it was of you to do this Ducky, I agree I think this was needed, for those not in the America, or who are in America but are from different countries and are interested in what is going on. Nicely done. BTW Title is fine it represents what you wanted to say.

 

[Flack-Angell]

We have Kurt Nilsen, who won World Idol in 2002 or 2004, I think?

 

[Ducky]

We have Kurt Nilsen, who won World Idol in 2002 or 2004, I think?

Ah yes, you do - your only Idol?

D, I hope this works. American Idol is soooo gigantic thingie that I don't see why mixing the others with it. Even we see it 2-3 later than in US

 

[Cath.S]

Ah I remember Kurt Nilson too and back then I liked his song but I forgot the title yet.

I rarely watch the show here in germany but my mum does so I'm quiet good informed about it. Since last saturday we have our 7th superstar (In germany the show is called Deutschland sucht den Superstar). His name is Mehrzad Marashi and this is his first single. It's a fan made vid 'cause there isn't a official out yet. I think he is a good singer even if some say he's not the right choice.