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Idols SA – the show that just won’t go away.

Every now and again we dip our toes into the water, looking at the Wooden Mic performances or some or other winner that we will likely never hear from again.

There’s an outside chance you might know that Berenike ‘Berry’ Trytsman just won the 17th season of Idols SA. Then again, meh.

Nothing against anybody who takes part in the “life-changing experience” but it’s nice to know I’m not alone in thinking that this has gone on too long.

How many more Randall Abrahams reinventions must we be subjected to before we say enough is enough?

Writing for City Press, Phumlani S Langa has gone all-in with an article headlined ‘Why Idols SA is a joke that needs to end’.

Right from the start, Phumlani goes for the jugular:

Listen, don’t talk to me or call me trying to talk about Idols SA. This show has done one thing consistently – be absolute trash.

It purports to be the quintessential search for hidden talent, but does not fail to churn out artists nobody listens to after they unveil their first single.

Image: heinzwincklerVEVO

Wasn’t Heinz Winckler – the first winner of this nonsense – trying to crowdsource funds to make an album not so long ago?

Where are Lloyd Cele and Vincent Bones? They both won. “South Africa” voted for the person they thought to be the most talented and those acts proceeded to drop albums that barely sold wood, let alone gold or platinum.

At least most of South Africa remembers the name Heinz Winckler, which I Googled to find this story about him questioning a school in Somerset West’s decision to support a transgender student.

Sigh.

The judges were not spared Phumlani’s wrath:

When was the last time Randall Abrahams produced a project you cared to hear? He’s out here trying to be the coloured Simon Cowell.

Somizi Mhlongo is an out-and-out entertainer, but nobody in their right mind is looking for an album from him.

Unathi Nkayi needs to chill on making the headlines for every reason other than making music, as she’s a decent artist … at least she was. How can you be passing judgement on new talent when your output is cold or damn near nonexistent?

I don’t believe “coloured Simon Cowell” was meant as a compliment.

ProVerb, the show’s host, is also skewered with Idols SA accused of corrupting “one of the most gifted rappers we have seen in South Africa”.

Ratings are ratings so please look away Phumlani as we reveal some news you may find upsetting:

TV: Idols SA to be renewed

Yep, you read that right. I can confirm that, barring any major setback, Idols SA will get another season.

Current season wraps this Sunday and a new season will return next year likely on new slot because of Big Brother Mzansi. #KgopoloReports pic.twitter.com/jjVOVbMNoB

— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) November 19, 2021

Season 18.

I’m sure the winner will go on to do great things.

Phumlani, less so:

Where is the seminal work that should follow winning this so-called honour? I don’t even want to know the name of the person who has just won because her victory has seen to it that she won’t make any music worth hearing. She could drop an entire amapiano project overseen by Quincy Jones or Kabza De Small and I still wouldn’t bump that.

Let’s hang this up, good people, and move on. We have better artists emerging organically.

If you emerge organically, you also don’t need to debase yourself in public like some contestants seem so eager to do.

Exhibits A and B, your honour.

Ignoring Idols SA is an option, just like choosing not to watch Mr Bones 3.

If Randall belittles a contestant and nobody is watching, did it even happen?

[source:citypress]