SHAZAM

Few Austrians have made as much of a stir in the pop music world as DJ Otzi, otherwise known as Gerry Friedle. The bleached blond from Tyrol became a sensation in late 2001 by turning classic party songs into dance tracks, winning loads of fans and selling millions of singles in the process. But his work has also earned him plenty of scorn from the media, especially in the U.K., with some journalists labeling his music as overtly disposable. Friedle's initial goal in life was to be a farmer; a plan he was forced to abandon due to a fear of cows. He then tried his hand as a cook, but gave that up for a life as a tramp. Fortunately, his vagabond existence didn't last long; he discovered a passion for playing music and singing, and eventually became a DJ in the Austrian countryside. Testicular cancer threatened Otzi's life in 1998, but he beat the illness and went on to launch a career as a recording artist. His first single, "Anton Aus Tyrol," was a massive hit throughout Central Europe in 2000. The following year, he pushed Madonna from the number one spot in the German singles charts with "Hey Baby (Uhh, Ahh)." That song went on to have a magnificent run in charts all over Europe -- including the U.K., where it stole the number one spot from Bob the Builder -- while Otzi went on to launch a brand of flavored milk. "Do Wah Diddy" was the Austrian entertainer's next single; much like its predecessor, it charted all over Europe, including the U.K. ~ David Peter Wesolowski, Rovi