Take a look at the worthy Popstars winners Nne-Vida in their first music video strutting their stuff the spotlight... literally.

It's a great song, has a great beat, they look happy, are obviously having fun, and have some seriously good moves, grooves and a cool fashion sense. I really like the latest Popstars group Nne-Vida and, as a creation of the videosphere, their very first music video is just out of their song ''Back Up''. I really like it. All those hours with the dance coach paid off.

''Back Up'' has been loaded onto YouTube, so if you want, check out Nne-Vida's Lyle, Lihle, Zinhle and Oscar. I just love what happens at 1:53 into this music video and the tonality change. A perfect pop song that makes you feel happier when you hear it.

And please Nne-Vida: Don't ever break up. All four of you made it through a terribly torturous press conference and you survived. You made it, you deserve to have made it as a group and I truly hope you make lots and lots of money.

BREAKING. Nne-Vida will be ''together for life'' says e.tv's new four member Popstars group, Lihle, Lyle, Zinhle and Oscar.

Nne-Vida is the name of the new Popstars group on e.tv, as it was revealed to viewers in tonight's episode on the free-to-air commercial broadcaster that's very successfully revived this reality make-a-band TV format.

In the new group that viewers will get to follow over the course of the four weeks (until the season finale on Saturday, December 4 on e.tv) are Lihle Ngongoma (21) from Hillcrest in Durban; Lyle Volkwyn (23) from Johannesburg; Oscar Toorn (22) from Johannesburg who has a two year old daughter Jamie-Lee; and Zinhle Dube (22) from Mayville in Durban. Nne-Vida means ''for life'' and after two months, four cities and thousands of hopefuls, these are the now the four members of South Africa's latest music group who's new debut album Ready to Fly should be on shelves from this week and who's hit-sounding song Back Up from their 12 track album should find instant success. The total prizes for the four member group totals just over R1 million which comes to R250 000 each.

''Nne-Vida is very talented and we're proud to introduce these phenomenal performers to South Africa,'' says Lynn Gaines, e.tv's local productions manager.

''Hopefully as a group and as a band we will really be together for life and be there for each other during the rest of our lives,'' Nne-Vida member Zinhle Dube said to me.

''We as the judges were unanimous in the four people,'' Popstars judge PJ Powers told me. ''We couldn't have chosen a better group of people to be the new Popstars band.''

ALSO READ: Nne-Vida first exclusive interview: ''We already had some clashes.''
ALSO READ: Lyle Volkwyn on his Popstars reality TV triumph: ''Perseverance, dedication, hard work . . . and prayer!''
ALSO READ: Take a guess at what other name Nne-Vida almost chose to go with . . .
ALSO READ: e.tv's Popstars judge Azania Ndoro on crying, giving no's and choosing the four stars of Nne-Vida.
ALSO READ: e.tv renews its reality hit Popstars for another season in 2011.
ALSO READ: Don't need no Back Up! A massive dance and beat-terrific hit is coming from Nne-Vida.

NNE-VIDA FIRST EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: ''We already had some clashes''; ''We have become a little family,'' says SA's newest group.

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Nne-Vida is the name of the brand-new Popstars group on e.tv that the broadcaster just announced with Lihle Ngongoma, Lyle Volkwyn, Oscar Toorn and Zinhle Dube as its four members and now I can exclusively publish the very first sit-down interview ever with the four members of Nne-Vida.

The four Nne-Vida members talk openly about clashes they've had already, tension and friction as they're getting to know each other, how they came up with the name of Nne-Vida (which one of the four didn't like it?), upset parents, the favourite tracks from their upcoming debut album Ready to Fly, what life is now like living in the Popstars house, and what wisdom they've learned during the reality show.

For my complete and exclusively first interview with the four members of Nne-Vida, click on READ MORE below.

BREAKING. Lyle Volkwyn of Nne-Vida on his Popstars reality TV triumph: ''Perseverance, dedication, hard work . . . and prayer!''

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Just over two years ago before I've started TV with Thinus I exclusively broke the scandalous news (read it RIGHT HERE) about the viscious, vindictive and horrible way Pieter Toerien wanted Lyle Volkwyn out of the M-Net reality show High School Musical: Spotlight SA. M-Net called Pieter Toerien's shocking and atricious behaviour that plunged the reality show into scandal ''regrettable''.

Now Lyle Volkwyn - put through the grinder of reality television but who has tried again - finally triumped in TV. He's was chosen as one of the four last remaining contestants who have now formed the brand-new South African band Nne-Vida together with  Lihle Ngongoma, Oscar Toorn and Zinhle Dube.

''It's about perseverance,'' Lyle Volkwyn tells me in his very first press interview after the announcement of Nne-Vida and finding reality show success. ''I've persevered through these reality shows and finally its happened. It takes perseverance, dedication, hard work . . . and prayer,'' he tells me.

I can exclusively first reveal ome of the words out of Lyle Volkwyn's dedication letter inside the brand-new Nne-Vida debut album Ready To Fly that will be on sale soon. ''My fans and support, you guys are the reasons I keep going,'' Lyle Volkwyn writes. ''My biggest shout out goes to my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. To my family, dad, mom and Lee (you rock bro), your love and support has kept me going.''

BREAKING. e.tv's new Popstars group called Nne-Vida; but take a guess at what the other name is they almost went with? . . . Phase 4

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I can exclusively reveal that the new Popstars group Nne-Vida who just announced their new name, could just as well have been called . . . Phase 4.

The four new members in e.tv's reality show had to come up with a new name, but before Lihle Ngongoma, Lyle Volkwyn, Oscar Toorn and Zinhle Dube settled on Nne-Vida on the very last day, there was dissent from one member who liked their alternative name of Phase 4 better. That person was Zinhle Dube - the lone hold-out who had to be convinced of Nne-Vida (that means ''for life'') as their group name.

''We sort of came up with a name, but the night before the last day we were still pretty much clueless,'' Nne-Vida group member Lyle Volkwyn tells me. ''The next morning we came up with Nne-Vida and Phase 4, but Nne-Vida was the one that three of us liked. So we all had to convince Zinhle. But she likes it now,'' he says.

BREAKING. e.tv's Popstars judge Azania Ndoro on crying, giving no's and choosing the four stars of Nne-Vida: ''Five was too much.''

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''Five was too much,'' e.tv's beautiful Popstars judge Azania Ndoro tells me in an exclusively first interview on how and why they chose four Popstars contestants - after e.tv just officially announcing the new group: Lihle Ngongoma (21), Lyle Volkwyn (23), Oscar Toorn (22) and Zinhle Dube (22) who will now be known as Nne-Vida.

''With five it's too hard to get concensus. It was always going to be three or four,'' Azania Ndoro tells me. And did they consider an all-boys band or an all girls group? ''We played with that. We played with that idea but we ultimately decided that a mixed gender group would be what's best for Popstars.''

About the incredibly emotional episode that was just broadcast which I was shown yesterday and in which the judges visit the top 10 contestants at their respective homes to tell them who made the group - and who didn't - Azania Ndoro says ''that was very hard. It was a very hard thing to go and do. It's people we've gotten to know. We got to see them work and give their best and to then only get a ''no'' at such a late stage . . . It was difficult.''

''The one that affected me the most was the first ''no'' I had to give. I had to ''yes''-es and two ''no''-s and with the first ''no''. . . it was heartbreaking. I ended up crying. As much as you can encourage someone, the message is: You're still rejecting me. You're still saying no to me.''

BREAKING. e.tv renews its new reality hit Popstars for another season in 2011.

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I can exclusively break the news that e.tv has decided to renew its new reality hit Popstars with a new season of the make-a-band reality show that will return in 2011 for another season.

Sources tell me that e.tv actually has the option and plans for two more seasons of Popstars after the current one, which would also mean a third Popstars season on the free to air commercial broadcaster in 2012. For now a Popstars season in 2011 is a definite go after e.tv successfully revived the dormant reality format.

The new season news of Popstars on e.tv comes on the heels of what is shaping up to be reality renewal season this week. M-Net on Tuesday officially confirmed an early pick-up of another season - its seventh - of Idols, while the pay broadcaster is also trying to secure the rights for a local version of The X Factor in 2011.

''South Africa has grown up,'' says Keith Lindsay, Popstars executive producer. ''Popstars hopefuls were more confident, more willing and more talented than we have ever seen before.''

ALSO READ: M-Net working on trying to do a local South African version of The X Factor in 2011.
ALSO READ: M-Net renews Idols for another season; seventh season will debut in 2011.

BREAKING. Don't need no Back Up! A massive dance and beat-terrific Popstars hit is coming just in time for the holidays.

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''I don't need no back up baby, you're were more than enough! Don't need no back up, back up . . .''

Tonight at 18:05 in Popstars on e.tv the brand-new pop group of four people will be revealed and I not only got to listen to their full debut single, I also got to saw them perform it live last night! Here is what I can spill exclusively first about their upcoming, soon-to-be released song and album:

I'm pleased to say that XXX XXXX's brand-new debut single which should start getting air play from Monday on radio stations across South Africa, is a delightfully catchy, clever pop R&B infused and beat-terrific song. ''XXXX XX'' is really a perfect debut single for this new band. Its one of 12 songs that will be included on their debut album that will be entitled XXXXX XX XXX!

The debut single has cool keyboard cords with a delightful piano ending. With catchy words and an enjoyable chorus you'll quickly start to sing along once you heard it for the second time. What's the song about? Well, a jilted lover laments being ''replaced'' by the love of his/her life by that person's second choice waiting in the wings. Yet, says the lover, even though you did that, I didn't have a fall-back replacement, since you really were everything to me and I would never have done that to you.

The song is wonderful, very well produced, has an infectious dance floor rhythm and is a perfect music gift for the holiday time ahead.

The top 10 pretty Popstars on e.tv are looking positively gleeful - but 6 more will be axed.

The top 10 contestants of e.tv's successfully revived music reality show Popstars are positively looking gleeful and giddy - but 6 more will be eliminated to leave only 4 by Friday in South Africa's latest music group.

From the front row to the back the top 10 ontestants who've made the cut include Khanyisa Bukubukwana (21) from East London; Bongiwe S. Silinda (20) from Malelane; Busisiwe Thwala (23) from Ladysmith; Lyle Volkwyn (23) from Bergbron; Ndu (Nondumiso) Shezi (21) from Morningside; Chrystal Worship (22) from Cape Town; Oscar Toorn (22) from Boksburg; Lihle Ngongoma (22) from Inanda and in the back Co-B Wyngaard (24) from Grabouw and Zinhle Dube (24) from Mayville.

Of the top 10 another 6 will be eliminated this week to bring the new Popstars group to only 4 members. I will be at a press conference on Friday in Johannesburg where I will be with the top 4 and hopefully get to interview them.

MASSIVE POPSTARS PRESSURE: See what happens when the Popstars contestants come out and the press goes on the attack!

''Just after you've won a place in the new Popstars band on e.tv, Popstars judge PJ Powers has now told me that she was in a drunken haze brought on by taking too many painkillers and that she actually chose you, but now regrets her decision of including you in the final Popstars group. She told me she was not herself and made a mistake and that you don't deserve to be a part of Popstars. How do you respond?''

I've done more press conferences in the world of television than what I can count. I also have to say that the brilliant PJ Powers is fine by the way and not on any crazy pills, and I just made that press conference question up, and did it a week before I was first to expose Mara Louw's Idols drunken behaviour brought on by pills, vodka and an energy drink (so questions like this isn't really that far-fetched if you're wondering). It was all with, and for a purpose though.

Recently I slipped away for e.tv's Popstars contestants in training, who all spend a day learning about handling the media . . . that would be journalists like me in the white shirt (flanked by my TV writer frenemies like Clayton Morar from TVPlus magazine on my left, and Tashi Tagg from TVSA on my right).

You'll be able to see exactly what happened when the Popstars contestants had to face a barrage of media madness in this Saturday's episode of Popstars at 18:05 on e.tv where I'm sure I, and journalists like Clayton Morar (who turned into an incredible, must-see bee-atch) definitely must have traumatized some of the Popstars kiddies. We really - and I mean really  - grilled all of the remaining Popstars contestants like Lyle Volkwyn who had to try and keep calm and collected in the face of a ferocious and attacking press corps.

What happened is that the Popstars producers asked specific TV writers and TV critics in South Africa like me, if we would be willing to assist in mock press conferences to help train the contestants. We were instructed to be really tough on them. So, I have to tell you that if you see me, and my frenemies in action, it really is us, we're just way more hardcore than what we usually are. The way we probed, asked follow-up questions and lunged with questions at the contestants usually happens at only the more sensational, high-drama press conferences after major news just broke.

We did press conferences with several groups of about four Popstars contestants and they were of course judged on how well they respond and cope with the pressure in the spotlight  - especially when its not a friendly press. Just imagine what happened when the one group came in and announced their pop group name as ''Exit''. . .

Afterwards we got the chance to give all the groups advice, tips and some guidance on how to answer questions better, what they should do differently and what journalists want, and how to deal with the insatiable media.

Tune in for this week's Popstars episode on Saturday at 18:05 and see exactly what the contestants were brave enough to do that would really scare a lot of people to death: a full on press conference with  journalists ready to devour their prey with hard-hitting questions! How would you have handled the tough, tough questions I threw at them?

Jamali of e.tv's Popstars: ''There's always a crisis. But the bigger thing is the music.''

''Look, there's always some crisis. I guess you try and work through it. The bigger thing is the music, so we focus on what is really important.''

So says Mariechan Luiters, member of the pop band Jamali, when asked in an e.tv press conference whether there's been moments when Jamali wanted to break up. Jamali is now working behind the scenes of e.tv's Popstars, and had some advice for the contestants, talked about being involved on the other side of a reality show and shared some of their own struggles in the biz.

''Sometimes you want to smash someone's face in,'' says Mariechan Luiters, ''but you carry on and do the best you can. In a show such as Popstars you're put together with people who were not your friends. Of course there's disagreements but we as Jamali talked it out and we'd go on stage and would be professional. By now we know each other really well, and we know not to overstep boundaries. It's about the bigger picture and we're currently working on recording our 4th album.''

I asked them how it feels to now be involved on the other side of a reality show. ''It's giving us the opportunity to branch out with new business skills and different opportunities. It's an opportunity for Jamali to branch out and expand the brand in a new way,'' says Jacqui Carpede.

Regarding advice on longevity and staying together, says Liesl Penniken ''be real about it''. ''You have to want it. You're placed in a band with someone you don't know at all. You have to decide how to handle it. Go for it.''

Catch the 4th episode of Popstars Extra on e.tv tonight at 20:00

BREAKING. e.tv's Popstars secloisted at the five star Fairmont Zimbali Lodge at the Dolphin Coast.

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I can reveal that the contestants of e.tv's Popstars are currently secretly secloistered at the ultra lux Fairmont Zimbali Lodge at Kwa-Zulu/Natal's exotic Dolphin Coast.

The contestants are currently being put through their paces while they reside at the beautiful five star boutique hotel with a magnificent view over the Indian ocean. Suites for the well heeled who lounge next to tranquil infinity pools can cost more than R7 000 and the Popstars contestants are getting full-on exposure to the luxury life.

So strict is security at the estate that - according to sources - even e.tv staff have had difficulty getting access to the production at the Fairmont Zimbali Lodge once they left and then wanted to return. With several camera crews following the contestants everywhere as they are practising, they have little time to enjoy their stay in the lap of luxury where international visitors are vacationing and even an unrelated modeling photo shoot took place today. ''It's really wonderful to be filming here,'' a member of the Popstars production crew told me.

''All the Popstars contestants are working incredibly hard. They all want to be here. They know what's at stake,'' another on-set source told me.

BREAKING. Pam Andrews drops by e.tv's Popstars chilly auditions in Pretoria to delight the crowd with a mock audition of her own.

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The throngs of waiting contestants erupted in chilly Pretoria yesterday when Rhythm City star Pam Andrews dropped by e.tv's Popstars auditions taking place at the Centurion Mall. The reality show looking for a new music group is currently on e.tv on Saturdays at 18:30.

The former Popstars winner did a mock audition for the crowd to the delight of the thousands who queued outside hoping for their shot at fame. According to e.tv, contestants from as far away as Limpop and Nothwest provinces began lining up yesterday and preparing for their one shot in front of the Popstars judges from the early hours of the morning. By 11:00 I'm told, the Centurion Mall was ''brimming with thousands of young, colourful Popstars hopefuls waiting eagerly to dazzle the judges''.

Popstars judge PJ Powers says ''Pretoria was certainly colourful, there was excitement''. ''We have been exposed to many creative contestants since the auditions began. The only problem is that some of the contestants are letting their nerves take over, it's sad to turn back contestants who have strong voices but no confidence to back the talent.''

INTERVIEW. Monde Twala, e.tv channel head: ''We believe Popstars will meet the viewers' expectations and those of the channel.''

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Monde Twala, e.tv channel head, believes that the red letter broadcaster's upcoming reality show Popstars (currently in production and busy with nationwide auditions) ''will meet viewers' expectations and those of the channel''. The new season of Popstars will debut on e.tv on Saturday, September 4 at 18:05.

I asked Monde Twala a few questions about e.tv'de decision to go with Popstars as a reality show and what influenced the decision, why e.tv decided to schedule Popstars at this time of the year, what the target audience is that e.tv wants to reach with Popstars, and how the local music biz ties into the show.

''Popstars is a huge but exciting project for e.tv,'' says Monde Twala adding that ''the local market is demanding a more dynamic approach'' when it comes to the production of local content for South African television. ''Our viewers are constantly looking for entertaining and quality local programming and Popstars will deliver exactly that.''

For the full interview with Monde Twala, click on READ MORE below.

BREAKING. ''I wanna be next in line": First audition day of e.tv's Popstars lures over a thousand wannabee singers for new reality competition.

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''Don't fight it, don't hide it. . . '' the first audition day of e.tv's Popstars kicked off on Saturday in Durban, luring a massive crowd and creating a line snaking around the building of over a thousand hopeful contestants waiting paitiently for their chance at the Gateway mall's Ster-Kinekor theatre.

Keith Lindsay, Popstars executive producer estimated a crowd of over a thousand who turned up for their chance to join the reality band in the channel's major new reality show. ''This Popstars is definitely going to be interesting to watch,'' he says. ''The judges are not only looking for someone who has strong vocal capabilities but individuals with a star quality, smart people willing to embrace all the hard work required in entering the harsh South African music industry.''

''There's been fierce competition throughout the day,'' says PJ Powers, one of this season's Popstars judges. ''The talent is impeccable and the pressure is certainly on.'' The Durban auditions have attracted many people from different parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the surrounding areas, says e.tv, with many contestants who underwent a three hour journey from Pietermaritzburg and several who camped out from Friday night for their chance to audition.

The Popstars contestants are vying to be part of a band that will get a recording deal with EMI Music South Africa. Those who miss the Durban opportunity can still get a chance to register to audition in Cape Town (28 and 29 August, Tyger Valley Shopping Centre, Ster-Kinekor), Johannesburg (4 and 5 September, Maponya Mall, Ster-Kinekor and Pretoria (11 and 12 September, Centurion Mall, Ster-Kinekor).

BREAKING. Zwai Bala, PJ Powers and Azania Ndoro announced as the three judges for e.tv's new Popstars season.

Zwai Bala, PJ Powers and Azania Ndoro were just announced as the three judges for e.tv's new Popstars season that will start on the free to air broadcaster on Saturday, September 4 at 18:05.

Musician Zwai Bala who formed the kwaito group TKZee and cross-over appeal songbird PJ Powers who sang South Africa to Rugby World Cup glory in 1995 with her ''World in Union'' and then danced and sang in front of Oscar winner Charlize Theron after the Benoni star's return visit to South Africa, have both signed on as judges for the reality show. Zwai Bala has been a Popstars judge previously when SABC1 broadcast the show and he and PJ Powers are joined by radio DJ Azania Ndoro who has also been a part of the judging panel in 2004.

ALSO READ: The dates and details of e.tv's national Popstars auditions.
ALSO READ: e.tv's Popstars will have a Postars Extra show; ''expect more tears, more talent, more music,'' says the show's senior director.
ALSO READ: e.tv resurrects the Popstars reality show.

BREAKING. e.tv adds another reality show besides Popstars in September. Get ready for Candy Girls.

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Besides Popstars starting on Saturday, September 4 at 18:05 on e.tv I can exclusively reveal that the broadcaster has another new reality show starting towards the end of next month on the channel.

Candy Girls will debut on e.tv on Wednesday, September 22 at 21:30 and went out last year on E! Entertainment (DStv 124). The reality show in eight half hour episodes focuses on the Bella Agency that basically provides female models for various music videos, magazine shoots and to walk around at parties to just look beautiful. The cameras follow the lives of seven girls filled with photo set meltdowns and even secret boyfriends.

BREAKING. Popstars will have a Popstars Extra show; expect ''more tears, more talent, more music,'' says the show's senior director.

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The new season of Popstars that will kick off on e.tv on Saturday, September 4 at 18:05 will be followed by an additional weekly episode called Popstars Extra on Wednesday nights!

Popstars senior director, Brett Lindsay just weighed in with what fans and contestants can expect in the new reality show looking for a new local band and he dropped this little titbit: viewers can get ready for an additional weekly Popstars broadcast that will be called Popstars Extra.

''This season of Popstars is going to offer us more tears, more talent and more music,'' says Brett Lindsay in the video clip that e.tv released. ''With Popstars Extra airing every Wednesday night during the series, we're going to get a chance to see what really happens at auditions as we follow the stories of South African hopefuls from across the country as we transform them into the next Popstars.''

ALSO READ: The audition dates and details of e.tv's Popstars.

BREAKING. Put a ring on it: Pam Andrews on why Popstars coming to e.tv is ''sooo worth it.''

Too, too, too funny! Crazy, over-the-top-as-always Pam Andrews from e.tv's soapie Backstage shot to fame as a member of the made-on-TV South African band 101 in 2001.

Now, with Popstars being resurrected by e.tv and starting in September, Pammie is getting in on the act with frivolous and perfect hilariousness of her own. In this brand-new clip, Pam Andrews is telling everyone why they should enter Popstars and go to the auditions.

''Guys, you have to go and shoot for Popstars. It's sooo worth it,'' the drama-schwama Pamster says with some girl attitude. Then she makes a hilarious, self-deprecating and wonderful joke you just have to see for yourself as she lifts her hand and shows the purple lucky-packet bauble on her finger. Brilliant and funny!

ALSO READ: Audition dates and details of e.tv's Popstars.

BREAKING. The 101: e.tv reveals the details and dates of the Popstars national audition process that will be visiting four cities.

After I broke the news RIGHT HERE that e.tv is bringing back the Popstars reality show format that used to be on SABC3, then SABC1, e.tv just released all the Popstars auditions information for the national Popstars audition process that will be taking place in August.

Popstars will be kicking off on Saturday, September 4 at 18:05 on e.tv with Martin Phike as host, but before then the countrywide Popstars auditions will be taking place in four cities during August and the beginning of September. Popstars will visit Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria where anyone between the ages of 18 and 28 can audition for a chance to become part of the new Popstars band. Registration opens at 07:00 on the respective days, but will be limited to 1 000 people per day. Aspiring singers can already go and register at http://www.popstars.co.za/ which will safe registration time on the audition day in your city. People who pre-register beforehand in this way, will be able to go and stand in the ''pre-registered quicker audition line if you bring along your website registration.

Once the finalists are chosen, they will all be whisked away to a secret location where they will work with the Popstars choreographer and vocal coaches. Those who can't cope with the pressure of the fame factory will be sent packing. The final top 10 who manage to endure, will go home as well and then have to wait for a personal visit from the judges to hear if they're once of the lucky ones to make the Popstars band - and then the real fun and hard work starts.

The Popstars national auditions will be taking place in Durban on August 21 and 22 at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping (Ster-Kinekor), in Cape Town on September 4 and 5 at the Tyger Valley Shopping Centre (Ster-Kinekor), in Johannesburg on September 4 and 5 at Maponya Mall (Ster-Kinekor) and in Pretoria on September 11 and 12 at the Centurion Mall (Ster-Kinekor).