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Idols

Genres: Music, Reality, Reality Competition
Broadcast on: M-Net, Mzansi Magic, Mzansi Wethu

Rate:

7.0

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Broadcaster information
South African channels

M-Net : 24 Feb 2002 - 22 Nov 2015
Mzansi Magic : 05 Jun 2011 - 04 Nov 2023
Mzansi Wethu : 14 Jan 2017 - 04 Nov 2023

About the Show


Idols is a South African reality competition talent show based on the original UK format Pop Idol created by Simon Fuller and produced locally by Fremantle Media in association with M-Net Original Productions in which prospective singers around the country audition for the chance to win big prizes and the title of Idols winner.

The local version of the international smash hit Pop Idol features the same format as overeas, and at its heart a contest to determine the best young singer in South Africa.

As with other international versions, Idols is a singing talent competition which lets the audience decide on the winner. Hopefuls audition in front of three judges, but only a few are give a "Golden Ticket" to go to the next round, usually in Sun City.

After several rounds of Theatre Week, in which the judges whittle the Top 100 down in a series of singing tasks, a group usually a Top 10) is chosen to face the public vote in weekly eliminations.

Once the judges have whittled down the contestants to the finalists, it is up to the audience to phone in and choose who they want to survive to the next round after hearing them perform.

There are typically a number of prizes for the winner, but the big prize is a recording contract and their own CD release. There is also a "Wooden Mic" prize for the contestant deemed the worst singer each season.

Originally broadcast exclusively on M-Net, the show later began simulcasting on Mzansi Magic. In later seasons, a 24-hour dedicated channel was introduced on DStv which screens all of the auditions, including those of people who didn't make the cut.

Idols also later aired on DStv's On Demand service. DStv's mobile users can watch Idols SA on their Drifta of Walka and DStv On Demand offers the shows for its PC users.

Auditions are typically open to South African citizens between the ages of 16 and 30, although the minimum age is sometimes 18. Auditions take place in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, with Soweto added in Season 7. They have also rotated to places like Bloemfontein and Polokwane.

South Africa was the third country to produce Idols, after the UK and Poland.

Judges

Dave Thompson left the show after Season 5 and emigrated to Australia. Randall Abrahams, Marah Louw and Gareth Cliff returned for Season 6, accompanied by a guest judge each week.

Marah was replaced from Season 7 by radio DJ Unathi Msengana and choreographer Somizi Mhlongo was added as a judge in Season 11. Cliff left the show after Season 12.

Randall Abrahams, Unathi Msengana and Somizi Mhlongo went on to judge the show from Season 13 to Season 17.

Abrahams and Msengana were replaced by JR Bogopa and Thembi Seete, who joined Somizi for the 18th season.

Hosts

Having presented Seasons 2-4, Colin Moss declined to continue as host of Idols 5, saying he wanted to concentrate on his film career instead.

After an audition process involving Season 1 host Sami Sabiti, SABC3 continuity presenter Liezel van der Westhuizen, Top Billing presenter Janez Vermeiren and YFM jock and TV presenter Pabi Moloi, the new host of Idols was announced as Liezel van der Westhuizen in December, 2008.

Liezel was joined by rapper ProVerb as co-host for Season 6. Liezel left the show during the sixth season and ProVerb became sole host from Season 7.

Season 01: Candy Litchfield, Matthew Stewardson, Sami Sabiti
Season 02: Colin Moss, Letoya Makhene
Season 03: Colin Moss
Season 04: Colin Moss
Season 05: Liezel van der Westhuizen
Season 06: Liezel van der Westhuizen, ProVerb
Season 07: ProVerb
Season 08: ProVerb
Season 09: ProVerb
Season 10: ProVerb
Season 11: ProVerb
Season 12: ProVerb
Season 14: ProVerb
Season 15: ProVerb
Season 16: ProVerb
Season 17: ProVerb
Season 18: ProVerb
Season 19: ProVerb

Winners

Season 01: Heinz Winckler
Season 02: Anke Pietrangeli
Season 03: Karin Kortjé
Season 04: Jody Abrahams
Season 05: Jason Hartman and Sasha-Lee Davids
Season 06: Elvis Blue
Season 07: David van Vuuren
Season 08: Khaya Mthethwa
Season 09: Musa Sukwene
Season 10: Vincent Bones
Season 11: Karabo Mogane
Season 12: Noma Khumalo
Season 13: Paxton Fielies
Season 14: Yanga Sobetwa
Season 15: Luyolo Yiba
Season 16: Zama Khumalo
Season 17: Berry Trytsman
Season 18: Thapelo Molomo
Season 19: Thabo Ndlovu

Afrikaans Idols

In 2006 an Afrikaans version of Idols was produced and aired on DStv's kykNET channel. The winner was Dewald Louw. Click here for TVSA's Afrikaans Idols mini-site.

Broadcast Notes

Season 12

Having been an M-Net staple since its inception, Idols became exclusive to Mzansi Magic from Season 12.
 


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Latest Articles

Thabo Ndlovu wins Idols 19 title

05 Nov 2023 | Written by: TVSA Team | From: Mzansi Magic | 1 comment
No surprises on Saturday when Thabo won in The Boys Club series finale.


Idols 19: Top 3 debut singles, no salvation for Faith

29 Oct 2023 | Written by: TVSA Team | From: Mzansi Magic
JR's singles versus Oskido's. Who did it best? An album of Saturday's three debut songs.


Idols 19: Second time unlucky for Nkosi

22 Oct 2023 | Written by: TVSA Team | From: Mzansi Magic
At least he got further than he did in Season 17 and Cassper Nyovest's not on his side so hanging around is pointless.


Latest Discussions

  THREAD LAST POST REPLIES
valentine valentine12
16 Jan 2020 10h58
0
Entry Donéy
12 Jul 2017 09h07
5
Idols 10: enough of Idols! ... or not? Tashi
03 Jul 2014 16h00
2


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