T-H-E-O. His fans root for him by shaking neon-coloured Bristol board letters that spell his name in the air.

 He’s got an astute, confident expression in his face, and each week he impressed a panel of music industry professionals and millions of viewers.

But despite his obvious exterior poise, newly named Canadian Idol Theo Tams admits he is brimming with insecurity.

“From my first audition, when I walked in with pit stains the size of Montana, I think that I had no choice but to really be myself,” said the 23-year-old Lethbridge, Alta., student over a celebratory beer after learning he had won the coveted Idol title.

“From that moment, I said to myself,  ‘I have insecurities. I have weaknesses just like anybody else,’” he said, clutching his pint of Heineken. “But there’s no reason why I can’t step up and take this.”

And step up he did. It was announced live Wednesday night that Tams beat fellow finalist Mitch MacDonald, 22, of Port Hood, N.S., following a musical faceoff Monday.

Tams’ transparency about his internal vulnerability comes from the misconception he said people make about those in the entertainment industry being “perfect little people.”

“I think it’s (insecurities and weaknesses) that keep it real and keep it interesting and keep it relatable. I hope I never lose those things.”

While growing up, Tams said he struggled with exuding confidence within his family and circle of friends.

On a program like Canadian Idol, where finding success relies on selling yourself,  Tams said he was able to take away a sense of gratification in knowing he had defeated some of his youthful failings.

“That’s the biggest thing I’m proud of, that I was able to be myself for the whole entire show and people fell in love with that.”

While music is a comfort, Tams says it should also be “a challenge to you to step up and be better than you were the day before.”