So what has been the biggest surprise for you in season 8 of SA Idols?

What I enjoyed seeing is how the audience has changed and how the show has become a universally popular show. In the initial stages of the show the audience was select, now it has become the biggest reality show in the country.

Were there any surprises with the contestants who didn’t make it to the final rounds?

Everyone who made it from the Top 16 deserved to be there. The contestants this season were diverse, extremely talented and disciplined. There were really some stellar performances up until now.

Did you have a favourite contestant?

For me I didn’t have a favourite – it was all about the performances. So I don’t stick to one favourite because if I did that,  that would be like voting for the same political party for years and not changing even when their policies stop working for you. Like being a Republican in the USA, which is ridiculous. You have to appraise everyone on their performances.

How do you think the voting public have done in terms of their choices?

The voters have voted for whom they liked, at times based on performance and other times on the person’s looks or where they come from. It was their decision and not up to me to tell them how to do it. However, I feel the voters sometimes miss out on the opportunity to vote for someone who will keep the competition exciting because they end up voting for someone whom they like.

What keeps you doing this every year?

The thing I love about the show is the auditions; I always think that is really funny and exciting and I like to laugh. I do get bored sometimes in the middle, but when I start seeing the really good people towards the end I get excited again.

Your book Gareth on Everything was very popular. Do you have any plans for a second book?

I’m not sure – it’s something that I am still thinking about. The publishers have asked me to write another one but I haven’t made a decision about it yet. There is a lot going on but my career is still my radio show and I love that more than any other thing I do. Radio is not going anywhere. I’m pretty good at radio; actually I am one of the best in radio. And I will only get better, so God help the competition because they are f****d.

Who are your favourite local artists?

Toya De Lazy is very good, she has a great sound. I also love Llyod Cele’s sound and I am proud that Idols produced him. I have to give kudos to The Parlotones as well who’ve recently decided to move to LA and make it big there. I hope they do make it big, it’s a great accomplishment for a local band and we should be proud of them.

What’s next for Gareth?

I hardly do what’s expected of me, that is why I am always in sh*t. So expect the unexpected and let’s carry on talking. The nice this about my job is I have three hours a day Monday to Friday to talk. So I hope people will tell me what they expect, and occasionally I will listen. But if you don’t have a point I will tell you. If you make a valid point I will listen.

By Molife Kumona