Idols SA has reached it's end after being on our screens for 19 seasons! The show which airs on M-Net, will commence it's 19th season which has been dubbed the 'farewell season.'
Adding his own opinion on the cancellation of Idols SA, entertainment commentator Phil Mphela said it is a long overdue decision looking at how the numbers kept on declining over the years.
"Reaction: Long overdue. But, we have to honest about one thing. Viewers fatigue? Absolutely. Rating drop? Well it’s more nuanced. Yes the show dropped in numbers but so did DStv in general. The show still performed relatively well though not as great as years past.
"At some point in the latest seasons, yes the show haemorrhaged numbers but it would also bounce back in subsequent episodes. I think out of viewers excitement & prestige not being great, the other main motivation to bow out is likely profitability — sponsors & ad buys," he added.
At some point in the latest seasons, yes the show haemorrhaged numbers but it would also bounce back in subsequent episodes.
I think out of viewers excitement & prestige not being great, the other main motivation to bow out is likely profitability — sponsors & ad buys.
Over the past few years, Mzansi grew tired of Idols especially looking at how soon a new season is announced, shortly after crowning the winner for that year. Many called for Idols to take a break but it seems as though now their prayers have been answered.
A bit of a back story of Idols SA, it started in the year 2002 with Heinz Winkler winning the inaugural season. After 9 seasons of being broadcasted on M-Net, News24 reports that it started playing on Mzansi Magic as well. In an effort to reach a larger audience, in 2016 it aired on Mzansi Magic only. Two pop-up channels were then introduced.
With all this drama, viewers are still glad the show is ending because many believe it does nothing to uplift and maintain the careers of their winners.
With the introduction of season 18, new judges joined the panel and they are Thembi Seete and JR Bogopa.
Speaking on this transition, Shirley Adonisi, Director of Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net said, “Idols SA is back!! As much as it is about the music, it is also about the people: we are proud to unearth new and emerging talent, and our viewers form emotional connections with the singers as we follow along their journey from audition stage to making a career from their passion. We are excited to see who season 18 brings us.
“We are also excited to welcome our new headline sponsor Standard Bank, as a valued partner for this season. They have over the years proven to be passionate about making dreams come true and our winners should look forward to a basket of great prizes, which will be announced in due course,” she concludes.
Somizi never addressed his axing but in a press briefing he touched on his exit a bit and the reason behind it, "Honestly as you may have all noticed, I haven't spoken about anything. My private life is my private life and my work life is my work life. I feel like I can't say anything at the moment and I don't was to say anything. All I can say is that it was one of the toughest times in my career but we move on, like they say you are innocent until proven guilty," he said.
