The behind the scenes that gave a new view
There is more to Idols than we think, as production has already begun,
IT’S that time of the year again when the country’s biggest talent show gets ready to hit our screens, but not before weeks of preparation. Production of season 13 of Idols has already begun and this past week I was invited to the recording of the Durban leg of auditions. Auditions kicked off countrywide last month and although they have not hit screens yet, and won’t for the next couple of weeks, they promise to be as entertaining as always.
I arrived at the Playhouse and navigated my way to a huge, dark room that I never knew existed in this beautiful building. From the minute I entered I was given strict instructions to switch off my cellphone and not say a word because recording was currently under way.
So I found myself a seat among the crew and within seconds, started laughing. I must have arrived during the wooden mic recording because every contestant who walked into the room made me laugh uncontrollably. I have always known that shows like
Idols and other reality talent shows are scripted to a certain extent, but the penny dropped when I sat behind the scenes.
The producers are determined to put on a good show and behind the scenes they stop at nothing to ensure that viewers enjoy what they tune in to.
I witnessed producers bringing in human props like a paramedic and adding comedy elements like letting siblings perform together.
But the thing is, though, one sibling rapped and the other sang, and neither was in tune with the other.
There were many hopefuls who walked in smiling but left with a frown after they received “no’s” from the judges.
I witnessed only four people get golden tickets to Theatre Week.
Once I could not take any more laughing, I caught up with Idols presenter and executive producer, Proverb (Tebogo Thekisho), and first asked him how he manages to keep a straight face during the audition process of the show.
“At that moment I have my presenter’s hat on. As the presenter I really don’t want to ridicule them further or upset them further because for many, these auditions are something they take very seriously, so negative feedback is heartbreaking for them,” he said. “Of course, when I am sitting at home and watching it as a viewer, there are things I find hil- arious and laugh at as any other viewer would.” He also said that the decision to bring in guest judges, which include Phat Joe, pictured, Donald, Khaya Mthetwa and Kelly Khumalo, this season and not replace veteran judge Gareth Cliff, who left last season, was to “bring different perspectives”. “This is not the first time we have had guest judges. Guest judges really bring a new element to the show. In the case of Phat Joe, for example, he isn’t a musician but he has been in the industry for years so he brings with him that knowledge and we are very excited about that,” he said. Idols will continue with auditions in four major cities this year, Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town. “Idols as a property needs to be inclusive and it is important for us that everyone who wants to audition, gets to audition, but it is impossible for us to be everywhere in the country,” Proverb said.
“For us, there should be creative and cost-effective ways to make this happen and we are looking into it, but we believe that if someone really wants to be on the
Idols stage, they will do what they need to, to make it,” he said.
“As with any other season of Idols, viewers can expect a lot of tricks to be pulled out of our hat, so watch this space,” he said.
Of course, when I am sitting at home and watching it as a viewer, there are things I find hilarious and laugh at as any other viewer would
Idols SA Season 13 will screen on Mzansi Magic this year. No date has been released as yet.