"Interesting Comeback": Idols SA Returns, Mzansi Weighs In on the New Judges Panel

• Media reports that Primedia Studios and Opulent Entertainment Group acquired format rights for a possible Idols SA revival, sparking heated debate online
• X user Ntate Makhasane asked Mzansi who they would want on the judging panel, and the post quickly went viral with wildly different answers
• While some fans are pitching dream judge lineups, many viewers are pushing back and insisting the singing competition format has run its course

Rumours of a possible ‘Idols SA’ revival have set off a fierce debate on South African social media, with opinions sharply divided between nostalgia and fatigue.

The conversation was ignited by media practitioner Ntate Makhasane, who posted on X under the handle @DonaldMakhasane, asking followers who they would want to see on the judging panel if the beloved singing competition made a comeback. The question alone was enough to get Mzansi talking.

Idols SA's 21-Year run

The original show concluded in November 2023 after 19 seasons on Mzansi Magic, bringing down the curtain on a 21-year run as South Africa's most recognised singing competition. Judges who graced the panel over the years included Randall Abrahams, Unathi Nkayi, Somizi Mhlongo, Thembi Seete, and JR Bogopa.

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According to media reports, Primedia Studios and Opulent Entertainment Group have acquired the format rights for a potential revival, with a possible platform shift to free-to-air broadcaster SABC or a streaming partner, making it accessible to a wider audience beyond DStv subscribers.

See post here:

Mzansi pitches dream panels and pushes back

Not everyone is rolling out the welcome mat, though. Many viewers feel South African television is already crowded with singing competitions and cover-song formats, and would rather broadcasters invest in original storytelling or local drama. Others, however, were enthusiastic enough to start building their ideal judging panels. Here is what some X users had to say:

@Triciakoki summed up the sceptics' mood bluntly:

"We really don't need it."

@np_STARm suggested:

"Zonke Dikana, Kelly Khumalo, Khaya Mthethwa, Mnqobi Nxumalo."

@DonaldMakhasane replied:

"Definitely, those are some good talents there."

@DonaldMakhasane responded:

"Hmmmm, that's a fresh turn; I think that would work."

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@Zamgp1 kept it classic:

"Proverb and Randell."

@DonaldMakhasane agreed:

"Randal should absolutely come back."

@bbongi_t drew laughs with a pointed condition:

"As long as nobody owes SARS in the panel of judges. 🫣✅"

@Sihle1098 was more cynical about the process altogether:

"It's usually useless to choose who we want to judge, as they will choose that grandpa gogo who is gender confused and some white man we know nothing about."

@BoituRSA offered a more hopeful take:

"This is great news. Some of my favourite artists were discovered on Idols."

@PlentyMtimande speculated:

"Weeh and Somizi will be part of it."

@GamsahabnidaL was quick to respond:

"They should get rid of Somizi."

Berry wins Idols SA

Not long ago, Mzansi had been celebrating an all-women top three with Berry, Karabo and S'22kile holding thumbs for the winning title.

Berry quickly emerged as a fan favourite, with peeps around the country raving about how much she deserves to take the crown in the finale.

Source: Briefly News