"Idols SA" season 14 auditions have come to an end with 87 avid singers across South Africa securing a golden ticket.
The last auditions were held at Carnival City, in Johannesburg, where gospel legend Dr Rebecca Malope joined the panel as a guest judge.
This year's auditions came with a range of emotions and surprises. From Somizi expressing his disappointment at how contestants were "not so hungry" this year based on the "horrific" performances, to the awkward hugs from host ProVerb.
However, it wasn't all doom and gloom in Jozi, as there were some early favourites such as the first golden ticket winner of the day Dalene Swartz who sang the Amy Winehouse version of "Valerie" — she bagged herself a ticket along with compliments of how she was the "total package".
Dalene, girl, they ain't ready! You are now my reason im gonna watch #Idolssa We got your back, don't let us down! pic.twitter.com/kihFXbp9cI
— Dre (@JustMe000Dre) July 29, 2018
Another contestant who left the judges shook, specifically Randall, was 21-year-old Sherry Zondi, who was later dubbed as a marketable contender.
Let's backtrack to Somizi's rants about contestants not being hungry for the ultimate prize. Halala Gumbi was the inspiration behind these words after she attempted Amanda Black's popular "Amazulu" song.
However, despite receiving a tongue lashing from Somizi, — and much to Halala's surprise — he personally handed her a golden ticket.
Somizi said, "You kids audition like there are18 chances".
What a grill; damn it 🔥. But halala Halala, u made it. #IdolsSA
— •Clifton AM-Vundla• (@CliftonAM) July 29, 2018
Somgaga also threw shade at the apparent new style of singing he has picked up, especially among the "young ones".
It basically consists of singers dragging words out while also using a lot of vibrato during a song.
"Who inspires you guys with these sounds that y'all make. Like who is this chihuahua?," asked Somizi.
The judges also put on a performance of their own in Joburg: Randall acted as a drummer, gave high fives and was singing along to some songs during the auditions.
And guest judge Malope took to the stage to dance with the contestants and took the liberty to sway the judge's votes at one point. 21-year-old drummer Karen Bodibe walked out of the room with four yeses, after delivering a beautiful audition that was backed by Dr Malope's praises even before she sang.
Girl you got a hella loud beautiful voice 😍😍😍😍 #Karen pic.twitter.com/laAzKVPHQO
— Nobuhle❤ (@BuhleCleopatra) July 29, 2018
Karen actually got three yeses, but seeing just how the gospel star was so hyped by the performance, Randall said, "okay I'll give her a yes."
Thank the heavens for second chances! Thando really belted out that one! It's three yeses! #IdolsSA https://t.co/EobZRLMjzA pic.twitter.com/gvvyqDEjit
— Idols South Africa (@IdolsSA) July 29, 2018
A contestant to keep an eye on is Thando Mgomezulu, who came to audition for the big prize even though she had initially lost all faith in her ability as a singer but she impressed the judges and got herself three yeses.
Things are about to get real! Theatre Week is officially here! #IdolsSA pic.twitter.com/jgoPPjgcFF
— Idols South Africa (@IdolsSA) July 29, 2018
After four weeks of fun and witnessing the best of the wooden mic contenders, Theatre week begins next week and will produce 16 of the best singers for the live shows.
WTF 😂😂😂 #IdolsSA pic.twitter.com/fxomZO9nn6
— MFANA BOLOBEDU 🏡 (@CM_SquaredBeats) July 30, 2018