Idols is one of the world's most successful reality TV formats, with local versions of the show airing in over 40 territories. In the USA, Idols is the number one series with an audience of 37 million viewers.
Available first and exclusive to DStv audiences, viewers will live the magic as the search for a solo superstar rolls on. The new season will go to Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe in early 2008. In each country, Idols will hold one ‘make-or break' audition session. Citizens who are singing divas, talented vocalists or confident wannabes will get their shot at the spotlight. It will also be a chance for them to win an international recording contract. Anyone between 18 and 27 years can participate.
The new season of Idols is also open to citizens of Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Reunion, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia and Swaziland. Entrants from these countries who meet the requirements and are determined to be stars can audition at any of the seven audition cities.
Potential Idols must keep their vocal cords in great shape, dress to be remembered and get to an audition centre. If they impress the judges, they go to the next round and may find themselves in the Top Ten stage. Would-be entrants with an existing recording contract of any kind will not qualify.
During the audition phase, entrants can sing from a wide spectrum of music including traditional, western, English, African, pop, Reggae, R'n'B and Rock. If an entrant is selected for the Theatre, Group and Top Ten phases, they must be able to sing pop, African and western music, including English language songs.
However, it's not only singers who are getting ready for the Idols boom. The show is also searching for a presenter and judges.
Idols is produced for M-Net by Waterfront Television in association with Fremantle Media. Auditions begin in February before the series debuts on M-Net screens in April 2008. Voting audiences will determine the outcome of the group and spectacular stages so the final power is all in the hands of the public!
Idols is perhaps not an effort in vain. Grammy Award winning Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Timi Dakolo, Will Young, Karin Kortjie and World Idol entrant Heinz Winkler all launched their careers through Idols.
