SOUTH AFRICAN & BRIT SINGERS COME OUT

Two talent show competition stars, one South African and another British, have come out in the media over the weekend.

George Meiring (35), who entered the national spotlight as runner up in the 2006 Afrikaans competition Supersterre [Superstars], is featured in the latest issue of Huisgenoot magazine.

In an article, titled Superstar George Takes a Man, Hoopstad-born Meiring discusses his relationship with his fiancé, dancer and choreographer Brendon Pollock (32).

Meiring said that he met Pollock in October last year at a gym and immediately knew that he was the man that he would introduce to his parents.

“We smiled as we walked past each other and I went to the locker room to change into my gym clothes. When I came out he was waiting for me at a table.

“I knew that if I didn’t go meet him I’d regret it for the rest of my life”, Meiring told the magazine.

The two are planning to marry in December.

In the UK, 2009 X Factor winner Joe McElderry came out to the public in the Sun tabloid newspaper.

McElderry said that he decided to be open about his sexuality after hackers posted a fake message, which read “It’s been difficult living a lie for so many years,” on his Twitter account.

“I think the Twitter thing was the point when I realised I was gay. I just looked at it and thought, ‘Should I be more bothered about this’?” said McElderry.

The 19 year old had previous denied that he is gay.

“Before I’ve always said no. I was not attracted to anyone at the time so thought it was a fair answer.

“Then I thought, ‘Actually, my feelings have changed – this is how I feel now’. The penny has dropped.”

McElderry said that he only came out to his mother in the past two weeks. He also added that X Factor judge Simon Cowell told him that he fully supports his coming out.

McElderry is recording his debut album which is expected to be released in October.