Idols SA viewers are not happy with the current judging panel, as evidenced by the drop in the number of viewers of the show.
Somizi took some time off the screen, agreeing with MNet that he needed to deal with his domestic issues without dragging the show’s reputation with him.
How Somizi got off the Idols SA judges’ panel
His departure was caused by allegations of physical and emotional abuse by his estranged husband, Mohale Motuang. Mohale accused the media personality of pointing a kitchen knife at him after an argument. He also revealed Somizi bumped into his car following an altercation about claims that Mohale was cheating.
Mohale claimed Somizi stifled his growth in the media industry, banning him from associating with other media personalities such as the late Shona and Connie Ferguson.
Mohale fleed from their matrimonial home but did not speak to the media about his marriage until his claims leaked. Mohale accused television producer Legend Manqele of leaking the conversations to the public. Manqele denied leaking the audio. “I swear I didn’t do it, and I was certainly not me”, the producer said.
Confirmation of divorce
Mohale confirmed the former power couple is not far from officially separating. “I wish to confirm that we are indeed in the process of a divorce,” said Mohale.
Somizi also confirmed he wants the matter fairly settled. He is believed to have brought a massive chunk of net worth into the marriage in community of property, and ideally, the wealth is shared equally. “As far as the divorce itself is concerned, my only aim is to have it finalised fairly and reasonably,” said Somizi.
However, Mohale says he is not interested in Somizi’s wealth but only wants a car to replace the one Somizi damaged in an altercation.
Despite being off-air, Somizi usually trends on Sunday when the show airs. Many viewers express disgruntlement about the quality of the current judges.
“Are we going to watch Idols SA and pretend we don’t miss Somizi,” one viewer wrote on Twitter on Sunday,
“Somizi is irreplaceable, and we need him back,” demanded a Tweep by the name Sihle.
Other viewers think Somgaga, as he is popularly known, is bigger than the show.
“It seems Somizi was bigger than the show itself, and he is missed big time,” wrote another viewer.
Mzansi Magic installed musician and Actress Thembi Seete as a guest judge in the last episode. Her presence was a much-needed refreshment, but she still operated in the shadow of Somizi.
“No one can replace Somizi on Idols, but I think Thembi Seete can be a great judge. She’s perfect for this seat,” wrote a Tweep named Lady Lebo.
Idols SA viewership numbers are plummeting.
Idols viewers are decreasing by the day as the show struggles to get a perfect replacement for Somizi. Following the news of his departure, 325 000 did not watch the show representing around 30% of the viewership.
Viewership fell from 1 018 607 in July to 693 760 in August.