Elvis Blue might not have been the most popular choice to win South African Idols two years ago, but he has been on the up-and-up since then, scoring the opportunity to perform with the likes of Westlife, UB40 and James Blunt, and earning a platinum debut album.

He is preparing to release his sophomore album, called Journey, and the first single, Lifeline, was sent to radio stations across the country on Monday. The album will go on sale on July 13, and Elvis will be promoting it with a nationwide tour in August.

To celebrate his release, we take a look at 10 things you might not have known about him.

His real name is Jan Hoogendyk.

He and his team wrote 55 songs preparing for Journey. The CD only has 13 on it.

He busked in the streets of Scotland.

He released three albums under the name of MONO. When the contract with the record company ended, Elvis decided to move to George and live the quiet life.

His mom was a classical piano teacher, so music was in his home all his life. His parents replaced a massive fireplace with an organ, and the whole house would shake when his mom played it.

He recorded two Afrikaans albums, the first of which won an ATKV Lier Toekenning, and the second of which was nominated for a SAMA in 2010.

His new stage name is a tribute to a boy named Elvis Blaauw. Elvis’ wife worked at a children’s home, and he met the boy when he played guitar for the children. The boy wanted nothing more than to be a keyboard player. He passed away in 2009.

Elvis is an official global ambassador for the 46664 Bangle initiative. He educates people about Nelson Mandela’s social ethics. The Bangle initiative is one of the 46664 Foundation’s most important project.

Elvis is Bavarian Motorcycles’ BMW motorcycle brand ambassador for 2012

He has launched The Elvis Blue Music Academy, where underprivileged children are taught music in a safe environment. The Academy is located in George, and another one is rolling out in Alexandra in Gauteng soon.

Article courtesy of MSN.