South African entertainment institution
Patricia Lewis launches her new singer talent search on SABC2 tonight, called
Supersterre (Superstars).
It premiered in 2005 as a four-minute insert on Patricia's TV show Blonde Ambisie (Blonde Ambition) and developed into a show of its own in 2006.
Twelve singers have been assembled from around the country, chosen from more than 3,000 South Africans who entered the competition earlier this year.
The residence representation is as follows:
Cape Town: 3
Alberton: 1
Boksburg: 1
Durban: 1
Jeffreys Bay: 1
Johannesburg: 1
Krugersdorp: 1
Meyerton: 1
Port Elizabeth: 1
Pretoria: 1
The average age of the contestants is 20.
Supersterre will follow the same Idols-type format of one contestant being voted off each week, but unlike other shows of its kind it features celebrity coaches, who stand to win as much as the contestants themselves.
The show is hosted by Patricia and
Idols I runner-up
Brandon October.
The judges are
Niekie van den Berg,
Sharleen Surtie-Richards and
Theuns Jordaan. The six celebrity coaches are
Bianca Le Grange,
Pieter Koen,
Dozi,
Nianell,
Nadine and
Danny K.
In an
exclusive TVSA interview with Tashi Tagg, Patricia said that they aren't just looking for singers with good voices - good looks and personality are also required.
"(I want) somebody who shines on the stage, has personality, is reasonable, presentable and they have to be able to sing really well. Somebody who has everything," she said.
"I'm not just looking for somebody with a voice who really looks terrible or who is not presentable, but somebody who is the entire package - because that's how you sell a Superstar."
The 12 contestants who made the cut are as follows:
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Darren Verouiel
Age: 16
From: Alberton
Celeb Coach: Pieter Koen
Trivia: His dream holiday would be a fun-filled trip to Singapore, spent on white beaches and staying in luxurious hotels. His favourite film is Simone and he never misses an episode of Veronica Mars.
TVSA Profile: Darren Verouiel |
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Elsabe Rademeyer
Age: 17
From: Jeffreys Bay
Celeb Coach: Danny K
Trivia: Her favourite film is Pay It Forward and she loves watching Alias. She draws her musical inspiration from South African musician and actor Chris Chameleon.
TVSA Profile: Elsabe Rademeyer |
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Eloise Potgieter
Age: 26
From: Port Elizabeth
Celeb Coach: Nianell
Trivia: Paris would be the first place she would stop off at to catch the latest fashions. Her favourite film is The Wedding Date and she habitually watches 7de Laan and Kitchen Confidential.
TVSA Profile: Elouise Potgieter |
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Karin Loots
Age: 20
From: Boksburg
Celeb Coach: Nadine
Trivia: Her desired place for a holiday is in Mozambique on Pemba Beach. Seeing the sea calms her down. Her favourite film is Dirty Dancing and she never misses an episode of her favourite soap opera, Egoli.
TVSA Profile: Karin Loots |
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George Meiring
Age: 30
From: Johannesburg
Celeb Coach: Bianca Le Grange
Trivia: His favourite film is Pay It Forward and he has a weekly lineup of watching Lost, Survivor and 24. He adores listening to Josh Groban.
TVSA Profile: George Meiring |
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Nasheeta Gaffoor
Age: 17
From: Kraaifontein, Cape Town
Celeb Coach: Dozi
Trivia: Her dream holiday would be on a cruise ship filled with the fabulous and famous. She adores junk food and loves watching 7de Laan, 7th Heaven and Charmed.
TVSA Profile: Nasheeta Gaffoor |
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Raimondo van Staden
Age: 16
From: Krugersdorp
Celeb Coach: Nianell
Trivia: His favourite film is Forrest Gump, he frequently watches 7de Laan and he's inspired by international singing sensation Bryan Adams.
TVSA Profile: Raimondo van Staden |
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Renette Holthauzen
Age: 14
From: Pretoria
Celeb Coach: Dozi
Trivia: Her favourite film is Cinderella Story and she always makes time for her favourite soap opera, 7de Laan. Her favourite international artist is Celine Dion.
TVSA Profile:  |
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Shelley Gordon
Age: 17
From: Kuilsriver, Cape Town
Celeb Coach: Bianca Le Grange
Trivia: Her pet is a Chinese Pigmy named Gizmo whom she loves dearly. She is also a junk food fanatic and her favourite film is She's All That.
TVSA Profile: Shelley Gordon |
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Shaun Tait
Age: 14
From: Brackenfell, Cape Town
Celeb Coach: Nadine
Trivia: His favourite film is The Fast and the Furious and he spends his spare time watching Smallville and NCIS. Musicians who inspire him are Gareth Gates, Nianell and Josh Groban.
TVSA Profile: Shaun Tait |
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Tasmia Aboobaker
Age: 29
From: Durban
Celeb Coach: Danny K
Trivia: Her dream holiday destination is the land of the Rastafarians, Jamaica. Her favourite film is Pretty Woman and she regularly watches Boston Legal.
TVSA Profile: Tasmia Aboodaker |
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Welmarie Wella
Age: 24
From: Meyerton
Celeb Coach: Pieter Koen
Trivia: Her dream holiday would be a retreat on a remote island with her husband. Her favourite film is The Little Mermaid and she enjoys watching 7de Laan.
TVSA Profile: Welmarie Wella |
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Supersterre premieres on SABC2 tonight at 19h30.
For the exclusive TVSA interview with Patricia Lewis,
click here.