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Now it seems as though M-Net has been paying close attention to what social media users and their viewers have been suggesting. According to Sunday World, the channel is considering making Kelly Somizi's replacement apart from just being a guest judge.
Throughout Idols history, there have been guest judges all the time, and Kelly will be one of them - but she is most likely to warm Somizi's seat.
With all the guest judges the channel is looking at, Kelly seems to be a favourite, mostly because fans suggested her. “Khumalo will definitely be one of the guests,” a source told the publication. “She is already an M-Net talent and is doing well for the channel,” it added.
Whilst social media users are distraught that Somizi will no longer be making appearances from this week onwards, the thought of Kelly replacing him warmed them up. If you look at it, what's Idols without Somizi? He adds a bit of something to the show, not to forget the hilarious memes.
A fan suggested that they boycott Idols SA until he returns because his marital affairs have nothing to do with his career. Others just wanted to appreciate him.
"I think people should not vote on Idols South Africa until they bring back Somizi we also contribute by voting, he's human after all and what happens in his home should not affect his career."
I think people should not vote on Idols South Africa until they bring back Somizi we also contribute by voting, he's human after all and what happens in his home should not affect his career. #Somizi
— Thembadino (@thembadino) August 23, 2021
@somizi please fight for your seat back @IdolsSA, it wont be the same without you, @ProVerbMusic please get Somgaga back. Idols will lose alot of viewers because of this decision. @mohale_motaung must just retract and apologize
— Faya (@fabse01) August 22, 2021
Today we appreciate the legendary Somizi Mhlongo 💐 an inspiration to many people ✊🏽❤️ #IdolsSA pic.twitter.com/jNbIv9z8Jr
— Thlologelo (@Thlolo15March) August 22, 2021
They tried destroying Kelly Khumalo but failed, her story should be written in the history books. They can all be against you but if you have God on your side you remain standing tall. I love her Music, I love her. The best candidate should there be a need to replace Somizi.
— your favorite logistics guy📀 (@billzie780) August 8, 2021
Kelly Khumalo would be an great replacement for #Somizi
— IG:Joy-Zelda (@joy_zelda) August 8, 2021
RETWEET IF YOU AGREE pic.twitter.com/8YpcLAq10T
Yoh, Kelly Khumalo would do it for me as a judge. Although I do wish for Somizi to still keep his job. #IdolsSA
— 🙏🏽Peace be with you🇿🇦🇿🇦 (@LKubone) August 8, 2021
Both these media entities issued statements saying they have halted their work relations with Somizi.
M-Net wrote, “M-Net and Mr Somizi Mhlongo met to discuss his role on Idols SA in light of the allegations made against him. We have reached a mutual agreement that Mr Mhlongo will take some time off to deal with his personal circumstances until this matter has been resolved. Viewers will still see Mr Mhlongo on their screens until August 22 2021 as the audition shows for Idols SA were pre-recorded.”
According to City Press Somizi and Bathu creator met a few days before the stores opening, to discuss their way forward. This resulted in Somizi being barred from attending the opening of the company's 28th store in Gateway, Theatre of Shopping in Durban.
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Picture credit: Instagram