Idols SA Season 11 kicked off at the State Theatre in Pretoria at the weekend.
First in line – and auditioning for the fourth time – was Nelisiwe Tshabangu from Mpumalanga.
“I really hope this time I can wow the judges. It’s my fourth time here and I don’t understand why they haven’t picked me already,” said the confident youngster. “I know I can sing. It could be I caught the judges at the wrong time of the day when they were tired, so that is why I decided to be the first in line while they are still fresh,” she said.
The audition was also time to introduce a new judge on the popular TV talent contest, choreographer Somizi “Somgaga” Mhlongo.
He’ll take a seat beside Randall Abrahams, Unathi Msengana and Gareth Cliff.
“I literally couldn’t sleep last night!” an excited Mhlongo said just before he was introduced to the crowd of wannabe Idols stars.
“I will be judging the razzmatazz,” he said. “Contestants are warned: from now on, a good voice alone isn’t enough. I want contestants who have showmanship!”
Auditions started at 9am, and many contestants had camped outside the building the night before.
Some of the aspiring stars brought camping chairs and snacks, while others stood under the hot sun for hours for a shot at fame.
Jurie van der Walt, a self-taught guitarist from Pretoria, was anxious to wow the judges in the audition room.
“I’ve always loved entertaining people and I can’t wait to show off my skills to the judges. I’m definitely taking it this year, mark me on that,” he said.
The next auditions are scheduled for Cape Town at the GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World on Saturday.
From the Mother City, the Idols team will scour talent at The Playhouse in Durban.
The KwaZulu-Natal auditions are scheduled for Saturday, February 21.
The final auditions for Idols are planned at Carnival City in Boksburg on Saturday on March 1.
To enter, you should be a South African citizen between the ages of 16 and 30. Remember to bring your ID to the auditions. Underage contestants have to be accompanied by their parents.
The Star