While most Idol competitors spent Monday waiting for their chance to earn a golden ticket, Eye on Idol spent the day learning about the other big name in Winnipeg precious metals -- the Golden Boy.

Perched at the highest point of the Manitoba Legislature, the gold statue is 5.25 metres high and one of the province's most famous symbols. It was designed by French sculptor Charles Gardet and purchased by the Manitoba government in 1919.

Despite being gilded with 24-karat gold, the cherubic symbol of prosperity and youth is actually made of bronze.

Modelled after Mercury, the Roman god of trade, profit and commerce, he holds a wheat sheaf in one hand to represent the fruits of hard work, and a torch in the other, meant to motivate young Manitobans toward a future of affluence.

"He's facing north because that's where the wealth of the province lies and the future of Manitoba, with electrical exports, minerals, that sort of thing," said Ben, a security officer at the Legislature.

"Many people are somewhat surprised that he's naked up there. We actually have scarves dropped off for him from time to time."

With hopes of getting a deeper understanding of the Manitoban dream, the Canadian Idol crew went to investigate the landmark with our own Golden Boy in tow.

Covered in gold spray paint, a gold bodysuit and not much else, segment producer Michael Margolis made his own attempt to inspire others toward a better future, mostly by dancing and running around the Legislature grounds, much to the shocked surprise of onlooking tourists.

"I've always had a dream to be the Golden Boy," said Margolis, brimming with pride at his festive attire. "Dare I say, I'm the most talented here."

Idol host Ben Mulroney couldn't agree more.

"This is very brave of him because it's freezing outside. The gold flecks are not going to keep the cold away," he said.

It would seem that the field trip and ensuing research left Canadian Idol with a better understanding of the significance of the metallic nudist than most of the show's Winnipeg competitors.

None of those questioned by Eye on Idol upon our return were able to discern just why he was put up there in the first place. Here are some of the guesses:

"To increase the value of the building" – Tyler Cousins, 20

"To instill pride in people, to give them a goal of goodness. Golden is supposed to mean good and beautiful and virtuous and remind human nature of how people are supposed to be." – Amanda Jack, 18

"It's there to measure the difference in elevation between Woodridge and Winnipeg. The top of the Golden Boy is equal with the ground level in Woodridge." – Michelle Barboro, 24

"We have a mint here, so it's like a symbol of money." – Jessica Parsons, 18

"It's a beacon of inspiration and wealth. A big and naked inspiration!" – Donnell Dacillo, 18

"He symbolized strength. He's been in that position for a long time, and he's holding things as well." – Riley Cash, 18

While they may not have been on the ball as far as their knowledge of local legends, their Idol potential seemed quite in tune: of 804 competitors, a Winnipeg record, 24 earned golden tickets.