The long-running singing reality competition show Idols SA is ending this year, with season 19 being its “farewell season.” The reality singing competition started 21 years ago and first aired on the M-Net channel in 2002. However, it later transitioned to a simulcast before switching to Mzansi Magic.
Idols SA’s Final Season Premiere
Idos SA will premiere its season finale on Saturday, 8 July 2023. Little is known about whether the showrunners are bringing in new judges to wrap up season 19 with a bang. The auditions were done in February. The showrunners have since confirmed the dates and promised drama capped with thrills and fun as the show heads for an epic end. The season finale will be aired on Mzansi Magic and Mzansi Wethu.
A Legacy of Music Sensations
No doubt, over the years, Mzansi has been wowed with a singing competition which has produced several celebrated singers who have since become music sensations thanks to the show. The farewell season comes barely after the showrunners made efforts to revamp the show in 2022. In 2022 the showrunners did not renew Randall Abrahams and Unathi Nkayi’s contracts in a bid to revamp the show.
Viewership Woes and Cancellation
It was revealed that it was done in a bid to revamp the show, which was struggling with views after Somizi was seemingly cancelled in the backdrop of Mohale Motaung’s abuse allegations. Nomsa Philiso, the MultiChoice CEO for general entertainment, revealed that the revamp was to get ratings back and attract new audiences.
Barely after months of tagging along Mzansi’s darling Thembi Seete and rapper-producer JR Bogopa alongside Somizi Mhlongo, the showrunners made it known that the show was being canned.
Idols SA has left a lasting legacy in South African music and its final season promises to be an unforgettable farewell to this beloved series.