South Africa’s highly anticipated talent competition, Idols SA, has returned for a ninth season. Once again, the series is a co-production between the two pay-television channels M-Net and Mzansi Magic which will simulcast all the episodes. And, as usual, viewers can tune into Channel 199, the Idols Extra channel, for all the audition action.
This season, however, Idols SA features a special highlights episode with more auditions, new sets, amazing talent and a move to the city of Tshwane.
The Idols Top 10 Spectacular Shows and Live Results Shows take place at the state-of-the-art auditorium at the Moreleta Park Church in Pretoria East, while the finalists will be determined by the Group Phase performances at the State Theatre.
“Going to these venues in Tshwane opens up opportunities to take Idols to the next level,’ says M-Net’s head of Communications, Lani Lombard. “The auditorium, for example, can seat more than 6 000 Idols fans and crowds of new people, who haven’t been exposed to the magic of live Idols performances, will be able to experience these spectacular stage-shows first-hand.
Lombard continues: “In the meantime, be sure you’re part of every step in the Idols journey by watching the lead-up to the Spectaculars.’
On 28 July, the first episode of Idols SA Season 9 covers the Cape Town auditions, during which Idols judge Unathi Msengana tries to persuade her picky counterparts Randall Abrahams and Gareth Cliff to give more singers the green light.
The following week, on Sunday 4 August, thousands of wannabes try out for the Durban auditions and Sunday 11 August it’s Gauteng’s chance to impress the judges.
As a special treat to viewers, M-Net and Mzansi Magic have added a fourth auditions episode to this year’s line-up. On Sunday 18 August, viewers can enjoy a range of clips that weren’t part of the first three episodes.
“This year’s auditions were extra special,’ explains Idols SA’s executive producer, Gavin Wratten. “The volume of fantastic footage just warranted an additional episode.’
Idols SA screens on M-Net and Mzansi Magic from Sunday 28 July until Tuesday 26 November when the Live Finale takes place. The Idols Extra Channel 199 runs from Sunday 28 July after the first episode at 19h00 until the end of the Theatre Phase.
M-Net and Mzansi Magic will release information about the ticket sales shortly.
To be part of the Idols conversation, go to the official Idols Facebook page at Idols South Africa or join in on Twitter with @IdolsSA. The official website for Idols Season 9 is www.mnet.co.za/idols.
