And this one's for you, judge Gareth...

Idols hopeful Kahludi Malele is determined to prove that Limpopo has talent.

The 29-year-old is among the top 15 contestants. Born and raised in Klipgat in North West, he auditioned in his "adopted" home, although he and wife, Tebogo, now live in Kempton Park, east of Johannesburg.

Idols judge Gareth Cliff was lambasted after pronouncing that Limpopo had nice people but not much talent.

It enraged the ANC Youth League, who called for him to be fired. But Malele says he agreed with Cliff - up to a point.

''I think a lot of talent was not represented in Polokwane. I've worked personally with lots of people there doing recordings and live shows."

He said he auditioned in Limpopo because he loved the province and because that is where he met his wife, who encouraged him to enter.

The self-taught vocalist and musician, who learnt to play the drums, piano and bass by ear, said he was surprised to have cracked a place in the top 15.

Malele, who has been married for almost five years, said his biggest fan has been his daughter, Mogai, 2.

''Ever since she watched me on TV, she doesn't want to watch anything else."

He said he was nervous about tonight's performance.

''I've never performed in front of my family before, and everyone's coming. But I'm looking forward to it. I told myself I'm just gonna have fun and showcase what I'm doing."

The remaining contestants have been moved into a house, which they will call home until the competition ends.

Said Malele: ''I love being in the house, but it's a bit challenging being the oldest one. I'm a private person and not used to being around a household of so many people."

He has bonded with house-mate Mark Haze, 29, from Cape Town. ''We kinda clicked because he's also a family man, and I go way back with Lefa Pike and Kelly Fortuin."

Tonight, after a wild-card public vote, either Josslynn Hlenti, 20, of Durban or Johannesburg's Kerry Sans-soucie, 22, will become the 15th contestant.