Wanted: amateur by nature, a professional by design

IDOLS is a reality talent search show that unfailingly bags an audience. While its critics always find something to whinge about in their weekly coverage, the fans applaud it. Love it or loathe it, Idols makes for addictive viewing. And every season appears to come with new twists. This year’s big revelation was Unathi Msengana being named a judge in the place of Mara Louw, who had tongues wagging last year about her fake Louis Vuitton jacket and her drunken stupor during a recording of Idols. It was in November that Elvis Blue (real name Jan Hoogendyk) clinched the title for season six and was saluted for splitting the R500 000 prize money with runner-up L’loyd Cele. And now the seventh instalment is moving full steam ahead with auditions under way at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Saturday. Joining the judging panel of Randall Abrahams, Gareth Cliff and Msengana is R&B artist Danny K, who recently released his fifth album, Across the Line. A fan of the Idols concept of harnessing raw talent and churning out stars, he said: “I think it is a great opportunity for kids and teenagers. “I’m going to be looking for someone who can be nurtured and trained… not a professional. “I wish I had such an opportunity when I began my career – it would have helped to bypass years of struggle.” Although nerves will be par for the course among the hopefuls, the singer advised: “Look, from a creative aspect, you have got to be yourself. To be different is important in the world of music. “Also, you have to work hard. The process is long and it starts with an audition. And once you’ve won, it is simply the beginning in many ways.” Having caught Idols in the past, there are a few songs he is cringing at the thought of hearing again. Danny laughed: “The first one would probably be R Kelly’s I Believe I Can Fly. It is the most clichéd audition song. Also, Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers and Lean On Me.” As for his thoughts on Louw’s replacement, he offered: “Ah, I think she is going to be absolutely fabulous. “I know Unathi personally and professionally. She is not only beautiful, she is talented. And she speaks from an educated perspective.” Cliff added his bit: “I’m looking for someone different. This will be the seventh season and I have ADD. I get very bored very quickly. I’m hoping there will be someone who holds my attention completely in an audition. “We’re finished with looking for people who have great voices and no personality.” Looks as if contestants will have to make a lingering first impression, or they’ll be re-routed to the closest exit. l The other Idols auditions will be held at these venues: Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, on February 26; Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban, on March 5; Dobsonville Stadium, Soweto, on March 26; and Montecasino, Joburg, on April 2. tips from previous idols Contestants L’loyd Cele Despite coming second in Idols last year, Cele is making the most of his platform. He is working on his debut album under the guidance of Loyiso Bala and the direction of producer Crighton Goodwill. And that’s not forgetting the gigs he has been doing. His suggestion to South African wannabes is: “If you have a dream of becoming an artist, go for it. Never give up on your goal and make space for being disappointed. You have to take whatever experience you get as a learning curve to become better.”