Kortje back with new life purpose

IT has been nine years since Idols changed Karin Kortje's life and when she performs in Port Elizabeth tonight, she will be hoping to change someone else's life.

Kortje, 34, who won Season 3 of the singing contest, is performing at the Blue Note in Gelvan Park.

But it has not been smooth sailing for the mother of four.

Not long after winning Idols 3 in 2005, Kortje's boyfriend at the time – Cheslin Williams – was arrested and sentenced to life in prison for murdering Durbanville guest house owner Renata Kellerman.

She found love again, but that relationship also soured and Kortje is getting divorced.

Kortje, a victim of domestic abuse, is hoping to use her experiences, her voice and tonight's intimate one-night show to help change someone else's life.

"My life has not been easy. Growing up in Grabouw [in theWestern Cape], my parents never fought in front of us. But funnily enough when I started dating, all the men I dated were abusive.

"With Williams, who I dated shortly after I won Idols, I always believed in giving him a second chance. He was very abusive but I hoped that he would change," Kortje said.

"It was only when he was arrested for murder that I had my wake-up call.

"With all the bad things happening in my life, many doors closed on me.

"I could have been so much further in my life. I had to start my career afresh, but I believed that this is God's purpose for me," Kortje, who was an apple packer before entering Idols, said.

"I have made mistakes and I am learning from them.

"Even though I am not where I want to be in life, I still have dreams. I am blessed to still get gigs so that I can put food on the table for my children."

Kortje has not released an album since her debut, Forever and a Day, but is recording again.

Asked why she had not been invited to do interview slots in this year's Idols, like other previous winners and finalists, Kortje said she had not been in touch.

"The producers have their reasons."

Kortje is filming a documentary about her life, which is due for TV in February.

Asked what Port Elizabeth fans could expect from her, Kortje said: "A new me."

"I want to show them that I appreciate their support. I will be singing songs like I'm So Ready, Hark the Angel, Never Never Never and many more."

The show starts at 8pm. The entry fee is R100. - Yoliswa Sobuwa