Publications
Partners
Cape Town – Idols SA is back for its 11th season.
And in case you have been living under a rock, after nearly six years with only three judges Idols has added a fourth judge.
Flamboyant choreographer and all-round entertainer Somizi Mhlongo joins Randall Abrahams, Unathi Msengana and Gareth Cliff on the judging panel.
We were lucky to go behind-the-scenes and we can tell you for sure that Somizi is going to shake things up real good!
We spoke to Somgaga about his new gig and what to expect on the new season.
Channel24:
What will you be bringing to the judging panel?
Somizi:
I will be bringing my energy and personality. I will be open and honest without crushing anyone’s dreams. If something is bad I will say it is but when someone is good I will stand on the table and shout it out. I will be my authentic self.
Channel24:
What qualities are you looking for in the Idol?
Somizi:
I am looking for someone who truly has the talent to survive in the industry. There were Idols who came and went. I am looking for someone who has showmanship and the staying power. Someone who would make it even if they didn’t enter Idols, Idols is just the vehicle to give them a push start.
Channel24:
You’re the ‘new kid on the block’, how well do you gel with the other judges?
Somizi:
Very well. I have been in the entertainment business for 30 years. I have also been watching Idols since season 1 so I feel like I have been a judge all along. ‘
Channel24:
How will you handle the not so good contestants?
Somizi:
Laugh. I will just laugh at them until they walk away.
Channel24:
Idols SA is in its 11th season, what do you think makes this show so successful despite all the critical viewers?
Somizi:
You know what, dogs don’t bark at a stationary vehicle. The numbers for the show speaks for it. It truly is one of the best shows on TV. It is a quality production, it has really good judges and the contestants are entertaining. Some of the other international talent shows have been done so badly that it lacks the international quality, but Idols has cracked it, it is on par with international standards.
Channel24:
What can viewers expect from the new season?
Somizi:
Craziness! Randall is different, he has loosened up a bit, more tears from Unathi and great chemistry between the two of us. And this time around Gareth is actually more harsh.
Channel24:
Do you remember your very first audition and how it went?
Somizi:
I did my first audition at six years old for Shell Road to Fame and Abigail Kubeka was a judge. I remember singing beautifully and I was so excited and happy about it. Weeks later I got a letter saying that they regret to inform me that I didn’t make it.
Catch Idols on Sunday at 17:00 on M-Net (DStv 101) and Mzansi Magic (DStv 161)!
