by Thinus Ferreira
In a shocking and unexplained move, Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) and [SIC] Entertainment is dumping both Randall Abrahams and Unathi Nkayi as judges for the upcoming 18th season of the struggling Idols reality show.
"The channel will not be renewing their contracts with for the upcoming season of the popular singing show," says Shirley Adonisi, M-Net director for local entertainment channels, in a statement issued late on Friday afternoon.
"We are taking a fresh approach to the judging panel to retain audiences and stay competitive in the Sunday night timeslot."
The axing of the long-serving Randall Abrahams and Unathi Nkayi follows after Somizi Mhlongo departed in 2021 following serious allegations of physical abuse after which Idols immediately lost a third of its Sunday evening ratings on Mzansi Magic as viewers tuned out.
Unathi Nkayi also dented her public image in 2021 after she was engulfed in a scandal at the Kaya FM radio station and then fired following a verbal fight with fellow radio host Sizwe Dhlomo and was accused of trying to bully him.
Randall Abrahams was an Idols judge since the first season with Unathi Nkayi, then known as Unathi Msengana, who was added as a new judge from the 7th season in 2011, replacing Mara Louw.
Auditions for Idols season 18 start on Sunday 23 January with director and executive producer Gavin Wratten and co-producers Anneke de Ridder and ProVerb (Tebogo Thekisho).
"We salute these great icons of South African entertainment and thank them both for great innings on Idols," Shirley Adonisi says in the statement. "Randall and Unathi have demonstrated high levels of professionalism and made an impact on the South African entertainment scene that will continue to be felt for some time to come. We wish them well in their endeavours."
