Cobus Bodenstein/M-Net
You're reading it here first.
Earlier today I told you RIGHT HERE that Idols lured more than 2 000 on it's Johannesburg audition day and now I can reveal first that despite rain showers, more than 2 100 contestants have pitched up for their chance to be singing in the rain.
The national audition process for Idols (read about Cape Town HERE, read about Durban HERE) is energizing South African TV viewers like never before. The national turn-out is a massive achievement for a reality show already in it's sixth season and which was slightly dented after last year's voting scandal. South Africans are turning up and waiting it out en masse for their chance to sing for the judges. Just like Cape Town and Durban, Johannesburg pulled more than 2 100 contestants compared to less than 1 500 in the previous fifth season of Idols. This means that Idols is set for a season of record entries, with Port Elizabeth (2 May) and Bloemfontein (8 May) that will still get their audition days.
A former Idols top contestant made a surprise appearance and the drizzle didn't dampen the contestants who waited eagerly, yet patiently in line for their turn.
For more rainy PHOTOS of The Johannesburg Idols audition day, click on READ MORE below.
Cobus Bodenstein/M-Net
Rainy weather didn't deter thousands of hopefuls to brave the weather and grab umbrellas as they made their way to the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg as they waited patiently in line for their chance to first register, and then sing in the sixth season of Idols which will start in July on M-Net.
Cobus Bodenstein/M-Net
Contestants were jam-packed into the waiting area where they sat to get registered while thousands queued outside.
Cobus Bodenstein/M-Net
Graeme Watkins, a top Idols contestant last year and now a Rhythm City soapie star on e.tv, made a surprise appearance at Idols' Johannesburg auditions. ''It's very exciting that there is another season of Idols this year'' said the singer.''Dreams can always come true, but Idols is a way to fast-track that process a little!''
Singers who make it through this weekend's first-round auditions will return to the Sandton Convention Centre on Tuesday to sing before Randall Abrahams, Mara Louw, Gareth Cliff and Kahn Morbee of the Parlotones who's the Johannesburg guest judge. Kahn Morbee is flying in from Europe especially for the auditions and will be flying back on Tuesday night as The Parlotones are currently on a European tour.
