Cape Town – After weeks of good, bad and ugly auditions the top 16 boys and girls who will sing for your votes were announced on Idols SA season 11.
However, it was not all good news as viewers were caught off guard when it was announced that one of the top 16 contestants would no longer take part in the competition.
Nonhle Mhlongo, 29, from Durban withdrew from the competition for personal reasons.
Just to recap, Nonhle was part of the girl group who slayed at the Theatre week auditions with their rendition of TLC’s Creep.
In an interview with Idols SA Nonhle revealed that she had previously signed a recording contract and could not negotiate a temporary release to participate in Idols SA.
She only disclosed it to the production team weeks later and withdrew from the competition after the Theatre rounds however, it could only be announced later as the show was still airing.
Nonhle is currently recording an album and is also part of a programme sponsored by the Department of Arts and Culture, Diamonds in the Dirt. She will also be featured on Duncan's upcoming album.
Nonhle became a firm favourite with the viewers.
Here’s how they reacted to the news:
@IdolsSA #IdolsSA I'm really sad,I was a fan of Nonhle kancici!
— Raurizee (@rorisangmatjila) August 24, 2015
Watching nonhle reminded me of the late lebo mathosa #IdolsSA
— Sell Cyril Nkuna (@NkunaSello) August 23, 2015
@IdolsSA I will mc that Nonhle girls energy #IdolsSA. I am really happy for Amanda as she didn't deserve to go home.
— Ayanda ntunta (@SethukaAya) August 23, 2015
Nonhle was on idols for publicity why else would She enter if she already had a recording deal #IdolsSATop16 #IdolsSA
— Mendi Ngiba (@KING_MENDI) August 23, 2015
Sad about Nonhle...but then again, its all on her. Love the final 16 regardless, can't wait for next week!! #IdolsSA
— Mubanga (@mubbie96) August 23, 2015
I really wish Nonhle all the best on the album she's currently recording and hope #IdolsSA has given her enough boost to earn fans
— Sandy Mulaudzi (@Sandett1703) August 23, 2015