The first episode of Idols SA aired on Sunday and some fans couldn't help but be nostalgic as they missed the presence of former judges Randall Abrahams and Unathi Nkayi.
Twitter was abuzz with some tweeps expressing how they wished the old judges were on the show, while others were over the moon that Somizi Mhlongo was “back where he belonged”.
“The removal of Sis Unathi has made me lose more interest in Idols. Count me out. Not watching,” said one tweep
There was one judge fans remembered from the past season, and despite attempts by “cancel culture leaders", Somizi and his unique humour seems to be the only thing saving the new format.
See some tweets below:
I miss Unathi n Randall.
— Manzini (@oceanwakhe) July 18, 2022
Poor Somizi was so bored.
What a boring show!#IdolsSA pic.twitter.com/NNOsWZKPUg
Something is missing with this new season of #IdolsSA, ha ena that thing.
— Moh Minaj🦄 (@HisMajestyMoh) July 18, 2022
But Somizi😂😂😂😂 here if u missed it #IdolsSA pic.twitter.com/PAiQFKVOCZ
— ThalenteGugu (@GuguThalente) July 17, 2022
#IdolsSA I must say @IdolsSA honestly choose good replacements, we don't even notice there's Rendall&Unathi missing 👌👌 pic.twitter.com/NCdSu9HLYq
— Garden2 (@Madam55940922) July 17, 2022
#IdolsSA Guys @somizi Somgaga is back where he belongs 💃💃💃I'll enjoy this season for sure💃💃💃 pic.twitter.com/7SFu0S0QG2
— Dinnny_kay (@dinykay) July 17, 2022
The exits of the oldest contributor to the judging panel, Randall, and co-judge Unathi came after Somizi left the show in 2021 following abuse allegations levelled against him by his estranged husband.
The pair exited the show in February after it was announced at the show it was taking a fresh approach to the judging panel later revealed to be Thembi Seete, JR Bogopa and Somizi.
Taking to Instagram when she was announced as a judge, Thembi said she couldn't believe she would be in one of Mzansi's most envied chairs.
“It feels like a dream. It's as if someone woke me up and said, 'don't worry, you had a wild imagination'.”
Unathi and Randall have moved on to other projects. Unathi joined Star 91.9 FM.
In a statement shared with TshisaLIVE, Unathi expressed how she was anticipating venturing into a new radio format as she joins the community radio station.
“I am looking forward to a fresh new format of radio that I have never before attempted. To be able to speak to my community, from my community, and for my community — priceless. Being able to speak to a multicultural community is also something I’m truly excited about because that’s the heart of radio — the heart of Joburg,” she said.
Randall was appointed as new CEO of Primedia Broadcasting.
Abrahams said: “I am pleased to return to a swiftly evolving broadcast landscape and I'm very excited to join the Primedia Group."
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.