Cobus Bodenstein/YIP Photography
"I'm absolutely so humbled that South Africa voted," says new Idols winner Khaya Mthethwa (25) from Durban.
He answered questions at the press conference after he was announced the winner of the 8th season of the show which is a co-production between M-Net (DStv 101) and Mzansi Magic (DStv 161).
"At the end of the day, you can't fool South Africa. If I or anyone else can't sing, I can't sing. And South Africans won't vote. I just appreciate the votes and I believe in a competition like Idols to help find new talent.
"I'm thrilled, I'm so excited, and I'm only expecting the best to happen from here [on]. I can't wait to get into studio and do what I love to do."
The live finale was marred by members of the studio audience and supporters of Khaya Mthethwa loudly booing fellow contestant Melissa Alisson - the first time something like that happened during an Idols finale - and it is something which Khaya Mthethwa said he doesn't appreciate at all.
"That's not right. I just want to congratulate Melissa on making it this far. She's a friend of mine, I appreciate her, I love her and if I'd heard [the audience booing], I would have been one of the first people saying that's not right."
