Siyakha Tshayela’s Idols South Africa journey came to an abrupt end on Thursday when she was withdrawn from the competition.
With a place in the Top Ten so tantalisingly within her reach, Tshayela’s past came back to haunt her after an independent record label claimed that had an existing recording contract with her.
All Idols contestants are required to sign an exclusive recording contract with the Idols-appointed recording label when they enter the series.
However, according to a press release issued by M-Net:
“On the 1st of August, Ms. Tshayela informed us that she had entered into discussions with an independent recording company before entering Idols, but she maintained there was no contract in place. The recording company insists there is.
“Discussions have been held with all the affected parties since then, but there is still no resolution.
“Due to conditions stipulated by the Idols format rights holder, we are unable to continue with a contestant that is currently involved in a legal dispute of this nature. Ms. Tshayela is therefore not able to continue as a contestant.
“Mzansi Magic and Idols producers wish her all the best with her music career.”