Dutch singer Waylon, real name Willem Bijkerk, took his stage name from his idol Waylon Jennings and gained many years of musical experience in the country scene. After he moved towards soul, Universal Music offered him a record deal, thus making Waylon the first ever Dutch solo artist to be signed to the renowned Motown label. His first single Wicked Way became a big hit and his debut album 'Wicked Ways' reached a platinum status. His success has spread beyond the Dutch borders. In 2010, he supported Whitney Houston during her tour through the UK and Ireland, and later that year, Waylon toured Canada by himself. Last year saw the release of his second album After All, preceded by the stand-out single The Escapist.