So Idols returned to Mzansi Magic on Sunday night (9 July) for the gazillionth season with an endless supply of wannabes who turned out to the Cape Town auditions.
As per usual, the show delivered an extreme amount of torture which you can get more of on Channel 198 - 24 hours a day - if you're into that sort of pain.
Here's a quick recap of the first episode by the show:
Season 13 got off to an eventful start when a somewhat tone-deaf contestant serenaded one of the judges with a love ditty that cracked Randall Abrahams’ funny bone - a monumental feat for a judge known to hardly ever show teeth, let alone chuckle.
But the Queen of Silent Tears, fellow judge Unathi Msengana, need not worry about being dethroned by Randall. As things stand, it looks like a box of tissues will get its own special place at the judges’ table.
In-between the auditory assault, the impromptu theatrics and the conflict, some true gems showed up to bowl the judges over.
The colourful Somizi Mhlongo was dazzled by a contestant he praised for being a “vocally honest” singer, while Donald could barely hide his delight at another contestant. “Your voice is intricate and particular. You have amazing potential and impeccable control,” he gushed.
Donald’s passion for talent was on such a high, he even gave another “potential” his Golden Disc, making the other judges’ votes null and void.
The introduction of the Golden Disc is a lifesaver for contestants during the audition phase. Each judge has one disc in each province that he or she can use to push through a contestant to Theatre Week, overriding the other judges’ votes.
However, receiving the judges’ validation is only one step in the Idols SA journey.
This new generation of hopefuls, some of whom were barely out of nappies and short pants when the show first aired in 2002, have a long way to go and will have to prove their mantle every single step.
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Will you be watching or has the show driven you out of your mind?