Last season of Idols SA ended without the input of Somizi Mhlongo on Berenike ‘Berry’ Trytsman‘s victory but, according to reports, this is not to be the case next time around.
Idols SA set to lift Somizi Mhlongo suspension
While the news has yet to be formally announced by the singing competition, reports are abuzz about Mhlongo returning to the judging panel. According to City Press, the production team at Idols SA not only misses the veteran choreographer’s infectious persona, but the viewership sailed along with Mhlongo when he was suspended over accusations made by his estranged husband Mohale Motaung.
At the time, Mhlongo had released a lengthy response to the sexual assault allegations, vehemently denying everything Motaung had said in a leaked audio interview.
However, this was fruitless since Idols SA went ahead and pulled the plug on Mhlongo.
More interesting, reports claim, is the fact that Unathi Nkayi is said to be on her way out of the show. The famous singer and broadcaster will reportedly be taking a ‘leave of absence’ from Idols SA in the new season.
It is unclear, at this juncture, if this is a temporary hiatus or the last we have seen from Nkayi who, in November 2021, was booted from KayaFM following her publicised quarrel with former colleague Sizwe Dhlomo.
Unathi is said to be taking a break from the Idols SA the judge panel.
— Musa Khawula (@khawula_musa) January 17, 2022
The next season of Idols SA will see Somizi Mhlongo returning as one of the judges on the show. pic.twitter.com/kdzdzWP6Nx
When is the new season of Idols?
At this time, Idols SA is mum about the controversy surrounding its judge panel. However, what has been confirmed is that the new season for the next South African star will kick off on Sunday 23 January 2022.