By now you've no doubt read up on
all the hot goss of the upcoming Idols 4 on M-Net, including venues and times of auditions, and who the judges are.
This is a guide to entering the new Idols - if you've got a) the voice, b) the looks and c) the guts.
This year it is easier than ever to enter the show - no registration forms that have to be collected, no muss and no fuss. Here's what prospective Idols have to know:
No Pre-Registration
To make the process as easy as possible, there will be no entry forms this year. Contestants simply show up at any of the five audition venues (see below) and sing.
Each contestant will be registered at the audition venue and will be given a chance to audition.
Age
To qualify, contestants have to be at least 16 and no older than 30 as of 22 June, 2007. That means if you turn 31 years old on 22 June, sorry – you’re too old! And if you only turn 16 on 23 June – try again next season.
You will need to bring proof of age, such as an I.D. document or a birth certificate (driver’s licence doesn’t count).
If you’re under 21, you have to be accompanied by your parent or legal guardian, who will have to sign permission forms.
Clothing
It is typically very cold during Idols auditions (especially if you start queuing the night before!) so dress warmly.
Dress as creatively as you wish, but remember that no amount of fancy-dress or revealing outfits will distract the judges’ attention from your voice.
Unless of course you look like Beyonce and are wearing nought but a wispy thong. If that is the case you can sing like a toad - you're going through, baby.
Singing
The judges want to hear you sing, so by all means bring your guitar if you want to amuse your new friends in the audition queue - but you will not be allowed to accompany yourself during the audition.
Auditions
These are the audition dates and venues:
Johannesburg
Standard Bank Arena, Saturday, 23 June
Cape Town
The River Club in Observatory, Friday, 29 June
Margate
Main Beach, Thursday, 5 July
Knysna
Oakhill School, Tuesday, 10 July
Centurion
Supersport Park, Wednesday, 18 July
Bring your sleeping bag and some snacks and dress warmly – auditions start early in the morning and you might have to stay as late as 21h00 – or even be asked to come back the next day, or maybe even a third day!
So remember to make arrangements with your boss - if he/she truly cares about you as they all say they do, they should have no problem with you taking out three measly days in order to fulfil a lifelong dream.
Yeah. Right. Boss-love is a rare thing these days. So good luck.
If you have any more questions about the entry process, call the Idols helpline at (011) 789 8558 or fax (011) 789 8607.
And remember - if you are going to audition feel free to record yourself on video or MP3 before you go, and send it to us to publish on TVSA.
If you can't handle the heat here you're not likely to be able to stand up to the pressures of performing to a huge live and television audience.
If you'd like to send us a video or MP3 of yourself singing, use our
Contact Form to get in touch.
Idols 4 premieres on M-Net on Sunday 19 August, at 17h30.