Jim Bakkum

As a child he was encouraged to sing and act by his parents. He started a band with his older brother Danny and he performed in amateur theatre productions. In 2002, his brother suggested that he should audition for the Dutch TV talent programme "Idols". He became the youngest contestant at only 15 years of age.After being voted into second place in the competition, he was signed by BMG and released his first single "Tell Her" in May 2003. The song charted at .. 1 in the Netherlands. His second single, "This Love Is Real" released in July 2003 also reached the top 5. Shortly after Jim's 16th birthday, in August 2003 he released his debut album Impressed , this reached ..1 in the Dutch album charts and became gold.In April 2004 Jim was nominated for 2 TMF awards; Best Newcomer and Best Singer, of which he came 1st. His second album Ready was released in May 2004.In 2005 he won Dancing with the Stars (the Dutch version of Strictly Come Dancing), partnered by Julie Fryer. His third album, Dance With Me was released in November.Also in 2005, he played the voice of Hippix in the animated film of Asterix and the Vikings, which went on on general release in Europe and Canada in early 2006. In April he released a single of the title song "Dapper & Sterk" which charted at ..13.In October 2006 till Summer 2007 Jim played the leading role of of Danny Zuco in the dutch version of the musical Grease.From September 2007 Jim will have his own Theatre tour where he'll sing songs of his new album Vrij (released summer 2007) and his past albums.Jim is also going to play the role of Nick in the dutch version of the musical Fame which is gonna start in Februari 2008.So much to look out for!