Following the latest episode of Idols SA, fans are demanding the return of Somizi Mhlongo as a judge. For the avid viewers of the show, Somizi’s absence is a slap in the face.
The actor was a judge on the singing competition, and his presence was well loved. Idols SA was a weekly hit, not only because of the participants' incredible skill, but also because of Somizi's flamboyant performances, his alter persona, outstanding fashion and hair trends, and his famous comedic comments. Since he left the show, though, fans have been complaining that it has become very flat and boring, and every week, at least one fan complains online that they miss him.
The show has tried to fill the gap he left behind by bringing in celebrity guest judges regularly. Perhaps the most memorable was Somizi’s good friend, singer Kelly Khumalo, because of the outrage she received following her judgment. Kelly was dragged online because fans thought she was too harsh and mean to one of the fan favourite participants, Berry.
Well, now the show is coming to an end, as only two participants are left in the running. After the penultimate episode of the season, fans went online to demand the return of everybody’s favourite judge on the show. Tagging Idols SA on social media, fans even begged that they let him show up briefly on the next and final episode. They vow that it has not been the same watching the show without him, and that no amount of guest judge appearances will be enough to fix the wound left behind by Somizi.
@somizi phakamisa isandla sikubone. Somg can never be this quiet. It’s the first time I’m looking at idols and you missed
@somizi#idolssa Somizi the last two performance hai bekushoda wena whuuuuuuu shem ayisafani i idols without you @ProVerbMusic@IdolsSA we miss you Somgaga your vavavoom
Although it hurts his fans, it’s not hard to see why Somizi is no longer on the show. We may not understand his reasons for leaving, but we know that he has been staying booked and busy anyway. He just recently completed the first installment of his "Eat Love Pray With Somizi" tour. In the show, he gives advice to his fans and attendees, then ends the session by feeding them. In photos he shared on social media following the success of the first stop of the tour, he showed that he was also using the opportunity to market his cookbook “Dinner At Somizi's – I Am Not A Chef”. Kelly Khumalo, one of his most loyal friends, was present at the event to show her unwavering support.
The actor is clearly having great career success at the moment. All this is despite the recent saga he had, where he was barred from entering Zimbabwe, by a popular church in the country. His fans, friends and Mzansi in general came fiercely to his defense, and he has felt the love ever since. He disregarded the negativity, and went on to have a stellar tour in Namibia, where he was loved and appreciated.
