The show must must go on
Changing tunes and an empty judging chair are coming to season 13 of Idols SA.
Singer-search competition Idols SA (2002- current) is roadtripping its way across the country to find its next pop superstar. But getting on stage to perform for judges Unathi Msengana, Randall Abrahams and Somizi Mhlongo isn’t easy even if you sound like a nightingale. “You think this is simple – come in and just sing,” says Somizi. “It isn’t! There is a preliminary judging panel that the hopefuls have to sing for before they get to perform for us. That’s something viewers don’t get to see.” What we will see a lot of is returning host and sometimes-mentor ProVerb, who’ll be standing by to help and console the contestants for the new season. But Pro and the Idols judges aren’t the only famous faces…
GUEST-ING GAME
Local celebrities like singers Donald, Kelly Khumalo and Idols season 8
winner Khaya Mthethwa will pop-in as guest judges and share their expertise during the audition stages. One regular Idols face who won’t be seen is Gareth Cliff, who left after his controversial firing and re-hiring at the start of season 12. “We all miss him. Gareth used to sit beside me and we’d joke around and sing along with the contestants. But as they say, the show must go on,” adds Somizi.
Idols SA is adding new stops to its tour, including Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein and Polokwane. “It was shocking to see the talent in these regions. Their singing blew us away and I can’t wait for the viewers to see it,” reveals Somizi, who’ll be on the judging panel for the third season running. “I have finally found my voice and I’m comfortable with being part of the show. I’ll be saying what I feel,” laughs the flamboyant judge. “I’ll be bringing my overthe-top energy to go with the hairstyles and outrageous outfits!”