Judges back as search for SA’S new Idols starts

KHAYA Mthetwa earned the title of the first black Idols SA winner, while Sarah Modiba held that of most promising Wooden Mic finalist.

That sums up Idols 2012. Yes, it’s that time of the year again, when the country’s singers and screechers audition for the pop star Idols prize.

This year’s Idols auditions kick off in Cape Town at the GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World on February 2 . Next is the Soweto Theatre on February 16.

The Playhouse in Durban tryouts are set for March 2 and in Johannesburg entrants go to the Sandton Convention Centre on March 23.

This year is the show’s ninth season, marking the return of judges Gareth Cliff, Unathi Msengana and Randall Abrahams.

"Idols winner Khaya Mthethwa took the country by storm and we are excited how his rise to stardom will inspire other singers to brave the judges and maybe follow in his footsteps,” M-Net channels director Pierre Cloete said.

South Africans between 16 and 30 years old stand the chance of winning a lucrative singing deal plus many other exciting prizes.

Contestants must take their IDs along and if they are under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Idols SA season 9 is scheduled to air from July 21.