Publications
Partners
Johannesburg - It was the last stop of the audition tour, and what a way to end this nationwide search for South Africa’s next Idol.
It was raining Golden Tickets on Sunday night, as Joburg’s aspiring superstars came out to shut down the auditions on a high note. Viewers got to see just what Jozi is made of, with close to 2 000 people turning up and 23 Golden tickets being dished out.
Sunday’s guest judge was award-winning vocal powerhouse, Kelly Khumalo, whose first turn at the judges’ table was “a dream come true”.
“I’m honoured and humbled (to be part of Idols). There’s no platform as big as this. Idols is the best thing that’s ever happened to the South African music industry,” said an overwhelmed Kelly.
In keeping with most of the auditions so far, Joburg was dominated by women. It was a fierce female fiesta as the high notes were hit, low notes registered and melodies melted the hearts of judges. Some were so good as triple threats – they could sing, dance and act – that they received a unanimous yes!
Unathi’s cry-o-metre registered high when a contestant with deaf parents gave a touching vocal performance that left the judge emotional because her parents had never heard her “beautiful voice”. (Watch it here)
Another contestant captured the attention of the notoriously difficult Randall, who uncharacteristically surrendered his Golden Disc to her, thanks to her “sparkling personality”. (Watch it here)
As expected, there was quite a lot of bantering to sift through. Some contestants left the judges unmoved while others unimpressed. Guys singing girls’ songs were especially underwhelming. That is, until a singing policeman broke the drought. (Watch it here)
The Idols Telkom Pop-Up Audition bus travelled to Bloemfontein, where more Golden Tickets were dished out by Proverb.
With the audition phase over, Idols now moves to the notorious Theatre Week, dubbed “Hell Week” by past contestants and judges alike.
It’s time to dig deep to find South Africa’s next singing sensation. And if Somizi has anything to do with it, that person will come from Joburg. “My bones tell me so,” he says.
Vote for your favourite Wooden Mic contestant
Voting for your favourite wooden mic contestant has opened.
Get all the deets here.
Catch Idols SA season 13 on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) on Sundays at 17:30.
