Veronique de Lange (born September 1987) also known as Nicky, to avoid confusion with Veronique Lalouette (also a contestant in Idols called "V"), is a South African singer who rose to popularity after placing 3rd in season 3 of Idols, the South African version of Pop Idol, shown by M-Net. She teamed up with fellow Idols III contestants Kesha Charlton-Perkins and Deidre Visser in 2006 to form a girl-group named NKD (the girl's initials). Their first track; entitled "I Want Your Love" is the new SuperSport theme tune. Their debut album, entitled 'What's That Noise', was released in October 2006. Their debut video is available to watch on YouTube called "What I believe".
NKD made waves in the South African music industry from 2006. These are some of their achievements: NKD performed as the opening act for many international stars that toured South Africa like Westlife, Ronan Keeting, Michael learns to rock, Michael Bolton, UK X-factor winner Shane Ward and South Africa's very own Johnny Clegg. NKD won a âÂÂPeopleâÂÂs Crystal awardâ (SA People Magazine) for âÂÂThe Best newcomerâ in 2007. NKD was nominated for 2 SAMA's (South African Music Awards) in 2007 and 2010 for âÂÂBest Pop Albumâ They were also nominated for a âÂÂYOU Spectacularâ (YOU magazine) with the likes of Freshlyground (South African Music Awards winners who recorded and performed âÂÂWAKA WAKAâ with Shakira at the 2010 Soccer World Cup) and The Parlotones (FHM Readersâ Choice awards, numerous SAMA awards and opening act for Coldplay 2012) for âÂÂMusic Stars of the Yearâ Their singles âÂÂWhat I believeâ and âÂÂDonâÂÂt miss youâ (written by Bishanyia Vincent aka Ranger Bec) was on 2 NOW Compilation CD's and became chart toppers on radio stations in South Africa (Jacaranda FM, Highveld Stereo, Algoa FM, Bay FM, 5FM and many other local stations)
Nicky is also no stranger to the limelight as she has performed and appeared on many TV programs like "Egoli", "7de Laan", "Binnelanders", âÂÂLiriekeraaiâÂÂ, âÂÂNoot vir NootâÂÂ, âÂÂDKNTâÂÂ, âÂÂJukeboxâÂÂ, âÂÂK-TVâÂÂ, âÂÂYO-tvâÂÂ, âÂÂDis hoe dit is met SteveâÂÂ, âÂÂGlitteratiâ etc. NKD also performed live at âÂÂMiss SA Teenâ and the Idols Finale, Season 4.
In May 2009 Nicky left NKD and became a freelance singer.
She recorded a duet with Bok van Blerk âÂÂAnderkant die treinspoorâ and did the backing vocals on his 3rd studio album âÂÂMy Kreetâ (this album reached platinum status in South Africa). Nicky also toured internationally with Bok van Blerk, performing in London, Wembley Stadium (Springboks vs. Saracens rugby game 2009), New Zealand 2009 Dubai 2014 London, Allianz Park (Blue Bulls vs Saracens 2015)
She also featured in the TV program âÂÂBok vir Sportsâ in 2011 as part of the band, on a very popular South African channel called KykNet, which showcased a national tour with Bok van Blerk along the South African coastline. She was part of the band in 2 episodes of the popular rugby chat program âÂÂToks en Tjopsâ on Supersport channel and KykNet in 2011 with famous Afrikaans artists like Bok van Blerk, Robbie Wessels, Theuns Jordaan, Juanita Du Plessis. Other artists which she has also performed with include Bobby van Jaarsveld, Ricus Nel, Dozi and Andries Botha (Africa Bike week â House Band 2014), Liza Bronner and Hanna Grobler.
In 2014 she was the backing vocalist on the very popular production called "Afrikaans is Groot".
In 2009 she also started a cover band called Nicky and the Niceguys . In 2012 they released their original project and CD called Sunny Side Up Band. They've toured all over the country with these 2 bands and played at festivals like Harley Davidson's Africa Bike week (as one of the main acts) Thabazimbi Wildsfees Karoo Lus Fees â Graaff Reinet Hoedspruit Wildsfees Other popular venues which they've performed at is Sun City Valley of the Waves, Monte Casino (Cobra day), Carousel Casino and also many year end functions, parties and weddings.
Nicky is currently in the United Arab Emirates where she is performing as a freelance singer at many different venues.
Albums
Singles
What's that Noise
What I believe