Idols SA return for Season 16

The show, which was delayed due to Level 5 COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in March, will now continue production. It will begin with the airing of the mass auditions that were filmed in four cities – Pretoria, Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town – before the lockdown came into effect.

Main judges Randall Abrahams, Unathi Nkayi and Somizi Mhlongo as well as the host and executive producer, Proverb, will make their return this season. The show will also feature guest judges and performances from some of South Africa's top musicians.

“As we turn 16, your living room will, from this Sunday, transform into front-row seats of the biggest entertainment spectacle, enough to make you forget about your lockdown woes,” executive producer and director of SIC Entertainment Gavin Wratten said. “This is because Idols SA is back and we are really excited about the show, from the wooden mic, right up to the live shows. This year’s Idols will be more than just a show.”

M-Net director of local entertainment channels Nomsa Philiso said: “Mzansi is proud to continue to provide a platform for new stars to be discovered and for talent to be unearthed. I am told this year’s Idols, dubbed 'Sweet 16', will be ‘more than just a show’. This should set the stage for our contestants and the show to reach new highs.”

The organisers say the safety of the contestants will be prioritised and the requisite health guidelines, including social distancing, sanitising of hands and venues with adequate ventilation, will be followed during the show.

Idols SA will broadcast on DStv channel 161 from 5.30pm CAT.