At first glance, no one would have expected Peter Evrard to win the Belgium Idol contest. With his long brown hair and goatee; he does not really fit the ultimate ‘pop’ image that the contest was looking for. Rather, during the competition, Peter focused more on rock and metal (although he did sing a Ricky Martin song). With his deep voice and positive attitude; the Vosselaar, Belgium native managed to win the competition in May 2002.
Peter Evrard did not have the easiest childhood. At twelve, his parents went through a divorce that ended with his mother committing suicide. His father, a serious business man, raised him. Peter has admitted in interviews that his father was not very child oriented and found it difficult raising a son single-handedly.
Peter at one time was in a heavy metal band called Disobedient. He has a wife, Kathleen, who is a nurse. He also has two sons; Anton (three years old) and Vincent (five years old). In May 2002, he won the Belgium Idol competition. Shortly after his victory, Peter released his debut single entitled, “For You.” The song sold 70,000 copies. Soon after, he released his debut album: Rhubarb. Evrard named his album Rhubarb after being inspired by an interview. The interviewer asked the artist how he would describe his music. He replied: “Rhubarb Rock.” Thus, the title for his debut album was spawned. The album, which is a mix of radio-friendly alternative rock, pop, and metal, consists of four original songs penned by Evrard. These songs focus on his family and mother.
On Boxing Day 2003, Peter appeared on the World Idol competition. The show, which was filmed at Wembley Stadium in London, was broadcasted in 22 countries. Peter sang a cover of Nirvana’s hit song, “Lithium.” The judges were very harsh to the singer. Elias Rahbani, the Lebanese judge stated: “You have the look and the voice, but you need to work your voice more.”
Simon Cowell said: “This is the weirdest show that I have ever been on in my life. The show is called World Idol. We have the Lebanese music advisor telling someone doing a Kurt Cobain impersonation whether he’s any good. I’m not being rude, but it’s just so weird. This would be Kurt Cobain’s worst nightmare because you are conforming, and Rock N’ Roll is about NOT conforming. So, you are a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
Peter quickly replied to Cowell, “So a rock band doesn’t make CDs because that’s selling out!”
Peter Waterman, the British judge, then joined in to state: “If you were serious, you wouldn’t be on this show.”
After Waterman’s comment, Evrard said: “I’m very serious about my music, but you guys made it this way. The industry made it this way – so that young artists can’t find another way anymore where I’m from.”
The world definitely saw Evrard’s point, and sided with him and this was seen on the finale of the show. The second part of World Idol occurred on New Years Day 2004. Audiences were disappointed in the judges treatment of the competitors. The creators of the television show admitted that there was a great deal of editing due to the harshness of judges. Evrard placed third in the total competition. He came in after the winner Kurt Nilsen and America’s, Kelly Clarkson. Although Evrard endured much criticism from the judges during the taping of World Idol, his presence on the show has made an impact on his career.
Bio written by: bandhunt |
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