Bones lives his dream

Vincent Bones was crowned winner of this season's Idols SA as the popular show celebrated the culmination of a decade on screen.

The 30-year-old's victory last night means the finale went according to script - he was the favourite to beat Bongi Silinda for the title.

It was also the show's most popular season, with over 24million votes cast. Just over 7million votes were cast during season nine.

Bones's wife could be seen crying and raising her arms after the announcement, but he had a bland expression as the applause rang and the confetti fell.

"I was in a state of shock. This has been the most nerve-wracking day of my life. I couldn't be sure because Bongi has many followers and the only people I could count on were my family - and that's just six of them," he said.

Bones, who plays drums, bass and the saxophone, became a street kid in Sunnyside, Pretoria, after his mother died.

After a stint at Girls' and Boys' Town, where he finished his schooling, he pieced his life back together and now works as a worship leader at the Eagle Christian Centre, Pietermaritzburg . But now he can add "recording artist" to his CV.

"This means that now I can live my dream and provide for my family too. It's a dream come true."

He said he had already started writing for his debut album, which would be "soulful and fresh".

Inaugural winner Heinz Winckler wrote on his Twitter and Facebook pages: "Congrats @VincentBones on winning @IdolsSA 10! May God bless, protect and guide your journey from here on."

Last season's winner, Musa Sukwene, who also performed last night, wrote on Twitter: "Congrats to #IdolsSA Season 10 winner, @Vincent_Bones."

@DineoRanaka: "WELL DONE VINCEEEEEEEEENT!!!!!"

@Boity: "YEEEEEEEEES!!!!!! Vincent Bones for the win!!!!"

@Loyisomusic: "Yes! Yes! Yes! Congratulations @Vincent_Bones on winning #IdolsSA."