Twists and surprises spice up ‘Idols‘ season

Clive Muller

IT‘S that time again when South Africa‘s wannabe singers give it their all to become the country‘s next top singer – in other words, the Idol! Kicking off its fifth season this weekend on M-Net, the programme promises to be full of twists and surprises. This season‘s auditions took place during the December holidays.

A number of audition venues also hosted beach parties where Idols hopefuls could show off their talents before being chosen to face the judges on audition day.

Another twist saw contestants being allowed to take part and audition with a musical instrument.

Will this help or hinder the music hopefuls? Can they even carry a tune with their own music material?

It won‘t be up to them to decide, the Idols judges have come prepared and contestants should not expect them to be nice this season.

Actress and musician Mara Louw, music industry mogul Dave Thompson, 5FM DJ Gareth Cliff and the very opinionated Randall Abrahams are back to scour the country for the most deserving talent and see who has what it takes to be the next Idol in South Africa.

This year the show has a fresh-faced presenter at its helm in Liezel van der Westhuizen, who takes over the reins from actor, comedian and TV presenter Colin Moss.

Van der Westhuizen is no stranger to the entertainment industry as she‘s currently an SABC3 continuity presenter and a regular fixture on Gauteng‘s Jacaranda 94.2 radio station. It was on the latter station that Liezel‘s ability to reach audiences, with her finely tuned, warm and hugely likeable presenting skills, earned her a strong following amongst the province‘s radio listeners. “I began my radio life at Tuks FM and was well and truly hooked on the joys of being able to use media to connect with people,” she said.

Speaking about Idols, Van der Westhuizen said she was “amazed and blown away” by South Africa‘s talent.

“Every audition venue surprised me. I couldn‘t believe how so many talented people came to audition for Idols. To have witnessed such raw and natural talent, was amazing!”

The bubbly presenter has fast earned herself a reputation as an MC of note and loves being in front of the camera.

“I love the adrenalin and immediacy of being live on air. Being the host of Idols is amazing, it‘s a dream come true for me. It‘s been an amazing journey so far and the crew has been awesome to work with.”

For Van der Westhuizen, getting the job as host of Idols was “the opportunity of a lifetime”.

“On the day of my audition, I had the flu. There were so many other great SA presenters and personalities in the audition queue that I almost didn‘t go through with it. But I nailed my audition, and was later called back to meet an M-Net panel, and do a screen test.

“That was recorded on tape and sent to the show‘s executive directors. It was up to a panel of 10 people to decide who the new host would be. When they first called me to let me know I had got the job, I thought it was a practical joke. When the show‘s producers called me back to convince me that it was indeed the truth I dropped my phone!”

She considers her favourite Idols version to be the UK Pop Idols edition and hopes to emulate the success of the show‘s hosts, Ant and Dec.

“They have such great chemistry together and have really done well with the show. To be on their level as a presenter of Idols is humbling.”

Once Idols is wrapped up she wants to get back into radio.

“I want to focus on my radio side as well as pursue some other career opportunities in TV. I‘ve wanted to do some acting for a while now and hopefully I will be able to do that in the near future.”

Idols airs on Sundays at 5.30pm on M-Net.

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