When Zia Fielies was booted off Idols SA this year, she said it would not be the end of her career. And she was dead right.
The Manenberg songbird has been selected to be a back-up singer for Belinda Davids, and the excited 19-year old says it’s a dream come true.
Zia was voted out at the Top 17 stage of the TV talent show, but says her desire to “make it big” drove her to taking “overwhelming” risks.
In October, Zia learnt that Showtime Australia, which hosts Belinda’s The Greatest Love of All tour, was looking for a backing vocalist and she didn’t think twice of applying.
“I’ve been a backing vocalist for nearly every local musician in Cape Town, so I jumped at the opportunity and recorded a video to submit to Belinda Davids and her crew.”
Zia Fielies bags back-up vocalist role with tribute queen Belinda Davids. Picture: Instagram (ziafielies)
Zia says she sang Whitney’s Run To You and within days, landed the job as one of Belinda’s two backing vocalists.
“On 18 November, I started rehearsals with the entire crew,” she says.
“They sent me the songs two weeks before so that I’d be prepared by the time rehearsals started.
“It’s a bit overwhelming, but I love the fulfilment in it.”
FAN FAVOURITE: Tribute queen Belinda Davids. Picture: Supplied.
Zia says the pressure of performing in this show “is real”.
“There is no room for error, this is a big show. Working with Belinda Davids is definitely a highlight of my career.
“She’s so good at what she does and I hope to one day reach that level.”
Johnny van Grinsven, the show’s producer and director, says Zia was a firm favourite right from the start.
“She showed great control and tone in the audition,” he says.
Zia joins Belinda along with a 17-person production team, and 12 members from the Symphony Orchestra.
Belinda has been touring the world with the show for years with no end in sight.
The show’s 2019 run ends on 1 December at the Artscape Opera House, but Zia is hoping she will be invited back next year for an international show.