They were depicted as rivals, but there's definitely no bad blood between Idols Season Seven winner Dave Van Vuuren and runner-up Mark Haze.

How could there be? Despite the closest winning margin in Idols SA history, they both get to pursue their music careers further than they would've before the competition.

Van Vuuren, who still seems to be on cloud nine the day after claiming the title, tells me: "I'm so ecstatic, I'm on top of the world, standing on a cloud and I'm so happy that I got to live out my dream and thank everyone who supported me."

He says that when Proverb announced his name, the timing couldn't have been more perfect. "I said a little prayer and asked please let me win and as I said amen, he screamed out 'Dave' and I was like, wow. My feet felt weak, I fell to the ground and I've never been so happy ever."

Haze, who has fronted Cape Town rock group 12th Avenue since 2001, saw how nervous his fellow contestant was before the announcement and says he was going through completely different emotions.

"I think for me in terms of the my experience in the industry, I'm the type of guy who's not pessimistic but prepared for all options. And in my mind I had prepared to come second. Because there's nothing worse than praying to come first and then you don't and have to come up with a backup plan," says Haze.

Not many contestants think about it but the 28-year-old admits to having a backup plan: "I had a plan when I entered the competition to completely equip myself with experience and make contacts in the industry. So in my mind, I was like: 'Mark you will come second, Dave deserves this and it will be okay because A, B, and C is going to help you take things further."

Van Vuuren (21) admits that the win has given him the freedom to "play music for the rest of my life".

"I'm releasing a full album on the 15 November, I'm busy in studio and playing a few shows to keep the momentum going and keep people happy," he says.

He also mentioned using the prize money (R500 000) to buy his favourite guitar, which costs about R20 000 and put the rest away while he figures his next move.

The plans to propose to his girlfriend are true though, he says: "I still need to speak to my girlfriend's father. I got asked that question and I said yes but I haven't spoken to her father. I also want to get a nice little flat for my girlfriend and I to live in."

Haze on the other hand says he needs to take a break.

"I'm not one to rest but I'm hurting and I'm tired. Hurting in the sense that it's been a long journey and I really need a break before I get back into it again.

"Things are kind of in the air — I've been approached by several record labels that I need to speak to and discuss and I've got some endorsements and stuff which will help fund my album," he says.

Despite their different directions, the two maintain their brotherly love.