Wishful singing stars who have been waiting in the wings to rock the stage, hit the high notes in a recording studio and build a phenomenal fan base, can once again line-up for the audition that might catapult them into the limelight. Idols SA is back in 2013 to launch the showbiz career of a talented unknown performer with a one-in-a million voice. Auditions for the ninth season of South Africa’s biggest singing competition, a co-production between M-Net and Mzansi Magic, will be taking place around the country pronto.
The Idols Season 9 auditions kick-off in Cape Town on Saturday, 2 February and thereafter it’s up to singers in Durban, Johannesburg and Soweto to convince the judges that they need a foot in the door to fame.
Wannabe Idols need to join the queues at the following venues on these dates:
Saturday, 2 February – Cape Town: Grandwest Entertainment World
Saturday, 16 February – Soweto: Soweto Theatre
Saturday, 2 March – Durban: Playhouse
Saturday, 23 March – Johannesburg: Sandton Convention Centre
Pierre Cloete, Director of the M-Net Channels, says 2012’s incredibly successful Idols SA Season 8 proved that there are many unearthed gems in the country, waiting to be discovered. “Current Idols winner, Khaya Mthethwa took the country by storm and we are excited to see how his rise to stardom will inspire other singers to brave the judges and maybe follow in his footsteps. “It would be a great pity if anyone misses the auditions and loses out on a once in a lifetime chance to become South Africa’s next big singing sensation!”
Yolisa Phahle, M-Net’s Director for Local General Entertainment Channels, of which Mzansi Magic forms part, agrees: “Idols is the biggest musical platform in the country. It’s about becoming a household name, being mentored by the biggest artists and the opportunity to hone skills. Aside from the winners, Lloyd Cele and Graeme Watkins are fantastic examples of contestants who have made it big”.
Idols Season 8 boasted the highest viewership numbers in the history of the competition and more than 2, 9 million votes were cast in the final week. Season 8 winner, Khaya Mthethwa has since built on his Idols road to success by releasing his first album and doing several gigs per week. He has also been chosen to be one of the choir masters in Mzansi Magic’s new reality show, Clash of the Choirs: South Africa.
South African citizens between the ages of 16 and 30 (on the day of their audition) are eligible to enter Idols SA Season 9. Those younger than 18 have to be accompanied by a parent or guardian and all contestants will be asked to present their ID documents at the registration, which will take place on the day of auditioning. Musical instruments will again be allowed in the audition room. To stay on top of Idols news, follow Idols SA on Twitter @IdolsSA and the official Idols Facebook page at “Idols South Africa”.
