Durban - There were tears and smiles on Saturday as thousands of Durban hopefuls had their shot at stardom during auditions for season 11 of Idols South Africa.
Auditions were held at the Durban Playhouse with hopefuls queueing from Friday night. While some made it through to the second round, others were left devastated when they were rejected.
Durban had a huge turnout and the auditorium was still packed late on Saturday when the Sunday Tribune team left. Those who were unable to audition on Saturday will have the chance to do so today.
Music professionals, including producers and vocal coaches, judged the first round of the auditions.
The show’s judges, Randall Abrahams, Unathi Msengana, Gareth Cliff, and new addition Somizi Mhlongo, a choreographer, will be in Durban on Wednesday to hand out the coveted golden ticket to contestants making it to the theatre round in Joburg.
Friends Zolile Lusiba, 23, from Glenmore, and Nobukhosi Mthembu, 17, from Melmoth, were devastated when both received a “no”.
Lusiba, a social work student, said she would continue with her dream to be a singer.
“This is my first time auditioning for Idols. I sang No one by Alicia Keys. Not even 30 seconds into the song the judge said no and it was over, with no explanation. I am not crying like other people because this is not the end of the road for me. I’m still going to be a star.”
Mthembu, a nursing student, said she knows she has talent, which the judges couldn’t see. “I love to sing and this won’t stop me,” she said.
Michelle Hurter, 26, from Glenwood, was waiting to audition with her friend, Ruan Oliver, 25, from the Bluff.
“I had no idea I was coming here today. Ruan just told me to get dressed because he was picking me up for a surprise and he brought me here to the auditions. I am quite nervous, but am hoping for the best.”
Oliver readily admitted he can’t sing and said he was only auditioning to support Hurter.
“She has the voice of an angel and has what it takes to win the competition. I am aiming for the wooden mic award.”
Kerwin Wyatt, 30, from Newlands East, said this was the last season he was eligible to audition as the cut-off age was 30. He manages a deep sea fishing charter business, but he said his passion was music.
“I didn’t want any regrets so I decided to come and give it my all.”
Not everyone was there willingly. Student Mlu Mkhulisi, 19, was dressed in a domestic worker’s outfit after losing a bet. “I had to wear this outfit and audition even though I know I can’t sing, all because I lost a bet. It’s better than paying up, though,” he said.
He sang a remixed version of R Kelly’s I believe I Can Fly.
Sunday Tribune