IDOLS contestant Edward Allen has for the first time opened up about living with Tourette syndrome, a neurological disorder characterised by sudden repetitive and involuntary movements and utterances.
The 27-year-old singer from Port Elizabeth is among 33 performers vying for a top 16 spot in tonight's episode of the singing competition.
"My twin brother Richard and I were diagnosed at age 7. Tourette syndrome is hereditary as my dad has it too."
Allen, who blew viewers away with his rendition of Grammy-winning artist Adele's hit song Someone Like You during his PE audition, said the show had given him a chance to release his frustrations about living with the condition.
Speaking generally sets off the uncontrollable tics that come with Tourette syndrome, Allen said, but singing settled him down and made it easier to communicate.
As children, he and his brother suffered abuse from other children and even adults.
"We were punished, whacked, lifted up by our sideburns and spat in the face for it because of ignorance as teachers thought we were playing the fool."
His condition is often triggered by excitement, anger or stress, but Allen said he had learnt how to control it and at times to mask it.
He said he had battled substance abuse and landed up in a rehabilitation centre.
Allen's singing impressed the nursing staff, who nudged him to enter Idols .
"Entering Idols worried me, made me nervous but also excited, because not only is it my dream but it will also give me a chance to spread awareness about Tourette syndrome.
"I am anxious about how the public would perceive me 'cause I'm trained to expect the worst."
Idols judge Gareth Cliff said after hearing Allen sing: "We don't need anything else from this guy, this guy can sing."
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