Winners All Round
On the ProSieben POPSTARS show, young people discover their potential. Even though not all make it to the finals, they still benefit from the help, like Dagmara Woszczek did.
As the sun shines down on the marketplace in Biberach, people stream into the ice-cream café. Many give a friendly nod as Dagmara Woszczek and a friend take their seats at one of the small silver tables. People in town know her as the singer for cover band Double You, and maybe just a little more after her appearance on the ProSieben POPSTARS show. 24 year-old Dagmara didn't get to the finals, but that doesn't bother anybody here. She considers herself a winner. After the TV adventure she took on life with renewed energy, and not just as a singer.
Many former POPSTARS candidates tell similar stories. And no wonder - in the course of the show, they go through intense training. Industry specialists give them singing and dancing lessons, and also help them develop their personality and motivation. All semifinalists benefit, whether they end up winning or not. "I learned a lot from the training," says Dagmara. Thanks to daily singing lessons with vocal coach Kate Hall, not only does she hit notes better, her range is also half an octave higher. Also, now this blonde bundle of energy lasts longer on Double You concerts. "I can sing for an entire week without getting hoarse," she says, beaming. But even more important than singing technique is the fact that today, Dagmara feels at home on stage. The dance training with Detlef D! Soost gave her a better feeling for her body. "I express myself much more now," she says, adding that she's not as shy as before.
This new self-confidence helps Dagmara off-stage as well. Since returning from POPSTARS she gives voice lessons at two music schools in Biberach and Ehingen. The offer came soon after her elimination, and Dagmara immediately agreed.
The school of life
Each year, the ProSieben POPSTARS show looks for a new band. In addition to talent search, the concept focuses on developing young people. Candidates are put through numerous courses and seminars, not just on song and dance, but also personality development and motivation. Experienced teachers and coaches pass on their knowledge, under the direction of head choreographer Detlef D! Soost. Since 2000 there have been nine seasons of the format, which has brought forth many successful bands like No Angels, Queensberry and Monrose.