eNCA adds podcasts The Corder Report from Dan Corder and Both Sides from Randall Abrahams from July

by Thinus Ferreira

eMedia's South African TV news channel eNCA (DStv 403) is adding podcasts from Dan Corder and Randall Abrahams to its website as first-run original content from 1 July.

Dan Corder, currently the host of the weekly The Dan Corder Show on eNCA is adding The Corder Report as a podcast that will release original episodes from Tuesdays to Fridays at 16:00 from 1 July. 

"The Corder Report brings Dan Corder's trademark sharp analysis, unmistakable humour and compelling storytelling into a powerful new visual format," says eNCA.

According to eNCA The Corder Report will feature "Hundreds of  'recorders' contributing voice notes and messages through the show's active WhatsApp line, which Dan features into each episode, turning news from a one-way broadcast into a nationwide conversation".

Dan Corder says, "This partnership with eNCA helps us spread the stories that matter to more South Africans. The idea has always been to make the news feel like a watch party, where we laugh, argue, think and connect with the world around us."

eNCA is also adding Both Sides as "a provocative new podcast" with the former Idols presenter and Primedia CEO Randall Abrahams on Sundays at 12:00.

According to eNCA, Both Sides "creates a space where thoughtful dialogue meets unfiltered perspective" and will "bring together an unexpected mix of guests – from political heavyweights and cultural game-changers to entertainment icons and voices you didn’t know you needed to hear".

"There’s no script, no predictable angles –  just conversations that reveal the complexity behind every headline.

Randall Abrahams says, "Both Sides is a space for layered conversations. The kind that ask bold questions and reveal what people don’t usually say out loud."

Former Idols SA judge Randall Abrahams exits Primedia to head up Telkom's digital solution division.

by Thinus Ferreira

The former Idols SA judge Randall Abrahams (54) has left Primedia after just over a year, to join Telkom in the role of overseeing its digital solutions business division.

Randall Abrahams joined Primedia as CEO in May 2022. 

After Lindile Xoko was appointed a few months later as new Primedia CEO on 1 January this year, Randall Abrahams got both a position and job title change to "vice president of Primedia International" for the Primedia group where he reported to Primedia group CEO Jonathan Procter.

Now Randall Abrahams has exited Primedia after a year and a few months, for a new job at Telkom where he has been appointed as group executive for digital solutions and will manage the digital platform business within the telecom's technology division.

Randall Abrahams will now be responsible for driving Telkom's digital strategy and "identifying and implementing technologies to develop opportunities" for Telkom.

He will be involved in developing Telkom's platform business in non-connectivity products like fintech, advertising, content, Smart Homes and small business enterprise solutions.

Randall Abrahams says "Joining Telkom is a proud moment for me and I relish the challenge and the opportunities that the group offers. It's a chance to really make a difference by improving the lives of South Africans through Telkom's data-led capabilities."

Serame Taukobong, Telkom group CEO, says "We are excited to have Randall joining Telkom. His expertise in the digital and communications space is highly respected and we look forward to working with him on our ongoing digital transformation to deliver value for our stakeholders."

Besides his long-running Idols judge duties for 17 seasons where he holds the record as the South African singing reality show's longest-serving judge, Randall Abrahams was also the managing director for the Universal Music Africa Group in South Africa.

Besides his stint at Primedia he was also radio station manager at Good Hope FM and YFM, general manager of public commercial radio at the SABC, and was CEO of the South African Music Awards (SAMAs).

Former Idols judge Randall Abrahams appointed Primedia CEO.

by Thinus Ferreira

The former Idols judge Randall Abrahams has been appointed as the new Primedia CEO and will start in the role today.

Jonathan Proctor, Primedia Group chief executive made the announcement in a press release late on Monday.

Randall Abrahams is known for his role as one of the judges of the singing reality show Idols on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) until last year after he was let go by the production company [SIC] Entertainment, producing the local version of the Fremantle TV format.

Randall Abrahams takes over from Geraint Crwys-Williams who was acting Primedia CEO and who had already left the position.

Primedia owns South African radio stations like Talk Radio 702, Cape Talk, 947, as well as the news division Eyewitness News (EWN).

"I am pleased to return to a swiftly evolving broadcast landscape and I'm very excited to join the Primedia Group," says Randall Abrahams in the prepared statement.

"Primedia remains at the forefront of both content creation and distribution with a drive for continued innovation."

"Working under Jonathan Proctor's leadership alongside a team of experienced marketers and creators is an exhilarating prospect, and l aim to bring my combination of experience and innovative ideas to the table."

Jonathan Proctor says Randall Abrahams has been instrumental in the turn-around and refocusing of the SABC commercial radio portfolio where he worked under Peter Matlare, and also worked in the complex merging and transformation of Universal and EMI Music Groups, as well as with the turn-around of the South African Music Awards (SAMAs).

Randall Abrahams previously served on various regulatory bodies such as the South African Standards Authority, the NAB and the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) among other public service contributions. 

"I see him not only playing a critical role in entrenching Primedia as a forward-looking, leading-edge media company, but also in helping to accelerate talent development across our prized suite of media offerings."

After her axing Unathi Nkayi says it was an honour being an Idols judge on MultiChoice's Mzansi Magic.

by Thinus Ferreira

After getting axed as an Idols judge on Mzansi Magic before the 18th season, Unathi Nkayi in a statement says it was an honour having been part of the reality format series.

Both Randall Abrahams and Unathi Nkayi were axed from the South African version of the Fremantle format show produced by [SIC] Entertainment before auditions started this past Sunday for the upcoming season 18 that will be shown later this year on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161).

Mzansi Magic said it's not renewing the contracts of Randall Abrahams or Unathi Nkanyi who have served as Idols judges respectively since the start of Idols in 2002 for 17 seasons and since 2011 for 10 seasons.

The South African version of Idols has Gavin Wratten as director and executive producer, along with Anneke de Ridder and ProVerb (Tebogo Thekisho) as co-producers with ProVerb also being the host.

The departure of Randall Abrahams and Unathi Nkayi follow after the exit of the controversial Somizi Mhlongo in 2021 following serious allegations of physical abuse against the socialite, after which Idols immediately lost a third of its Sunday evening ratings on Mzansi Magic as viewers tuned out.

Somizi Mhlongo stands accused of alleged shocking physical violence and emotional abuse - charges he has not been cleared of - including allegedly chasing his former lover Mohale Motaung with a knife. 

Mzansi Magic and [SIC] Entertainment have reportedly been discussing the possible return of Somizi Mhlongo for the 18th season to try and reverse Idols' ratings collapse during season 17.

The public image of Unathi Nkayi also took a knock in late-2021 when she was involved in a behind-the-scenes verbal fight with fellow radio host Sizwe Dhlomo at the Kaya FM radio station that spilt out in public, and which led to Kaya FM firing her.

In a statement posted on her Instagram account on social media, Unathi Nkayi says that it was an honour for her to have been a part of the show as a judge.

"To every contestant who stood in front of us. From the ones brave enough to share with us their hopes. I don't take lightly the act of doing that for the world to see. An honour I will always hold. Thank you for trusting me as one of your judges."

"To those who unleashed a new level of my tears, heavily pregnant with Baby Idols garnering for Wooden Mic, thank you for the laughter and joy."

"I can never thank you enough Anneke, for making that call asking me to join the Idols family. Gav and Prozza thank you for trusting me with such a great responsibility. One that would form part of the narrative and soundtrack of our souls as a people. You changed my life and that of my family."

"To MultiChoice, how humbling that you continue to make every boy and girl believe in themselves no matter which corner they come from, including me. To every special being who has given to the brilliance of the show. It has been a true honour being part of the family. And to the new members of our family. Good luck."

"Thank you to each and every one of you for pushing me to be the very best version of myself every Sunday for eleven years."

Mzansi Magic said it's not ready to announce the new Idols judges.

ALSO READ: Mzansi Magic and [SIC] Entertainment dump Idols judges Randall Abrahams and Unathy Nkayi before season 18 auditions start on Sunday.

ALSO READ: M-Net's Mzansi Magic channel and [SIC] Entertainment plan to bring back controversial Somizi Mhlongo as judge for Idols season 18 and to drop Unathi Nkayi - report

ALSO READ: Mzansi Magic abruptly axes Idols winner media briefing for season 17 after 19 years as ratings plunge.

ALSO READ: TV CRITIC's NOTEBOOK. Why lazy M-Net's lackadaisical decision to drop the Idols winner Mzansi Magic media briefing damages DStv, Idols and South Africa's entertainment press. 

Mzansi Magic and [SIC] Entertainment dump Idols judges Randall Abrahams and Unathi Nkayi before season 18 auditions start on Sunday.

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."

ALSO READ: M-Net's Mzansi Magic channel and [SIC] Entertainment plan to bring back controversial Somizi Mhlongo as judge for Idols season 18 and to drop Unathi Nkayi - report

ALSO READ: Mzansi Magic abruptly axes Idols winner media briefing for season 17 after 19 years as ratings plunge.

ALSO READ: TV CRITIC's NOTEBOOK. Why lazy M-Net's lackadaisical decision to drop the Idols winner Mzansi Magic media briefing damages DStv, Idols and South Africa's entertainment press. 

14th season of Idols kicking off on Mzansi Magic set for bigger ratings, more votes – and very likely a dash of scandal.

The 14th season of the ever-popular reality singing competition, Idols, will kick off on Sunday 8 July at 17:00 on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) with the Idols Extra channel showing more content, that will start thereafter.

Idols - produced by [SIC] Entertainment with director and executive producer Gavin Wratten and Tebogo Thekiso (ProVerb) as co-executive producer who is also the host - remains a South African television ratings, social media engagement and online voting tour de force that saw more than 30 million votes cast during just the final week of the 13th season.

The new 14th season of Idols on Mzansi Magic will very likely once again up the ante in terms of ratings and voting numbers and serve up a controversy or two.

The 13th season finale saw the scandalous flame-out of Mthokozisi Ndaba from KwaMashu when the runner-up's dramatic fall from grace made sensational headlines and almost overshadowed the win of the Bishop Lavis teen, Paxton Fielies who is once of the local headline acts for the upcoming Mzansi for the Divas 2018 concert tour starting 27 July.

With the judges Randall Abrahams, Somizi Mhlongo and Unathi Msengana, the 14th season will kick off with the auditions that took place in KwaZulu-Natal at the North Beach Amphitheatre where the winner of the 9th season, Musa Sukwene, is also behind the desk as a guest judge.

The second episode will showcase the Cape Town auditions at Century City Conference Centre where DJ Cleo was the guest judge, followed by Pretoria in episode 3 where the musician Dr Malinga joined the judges.

The 4th episode will showcase the Johannesburg auditions where Rebecca Malope sat in as a guest judge.

M-Net is once again running the Idols Extra channel on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform with the channel that will go live on DStv channel 198 at 19:00 after the first episode of Idols on Mzansi Magic.

Idols Extra will show auditions from the past, wooden mic contenders, Golden Ticket winners and I was on Idols, including highlights of the show as well as contestant auditions that were not included in the Idols episodes shown on Mzansi Magic.

M-Net apologises for trans-shaming of Idols contestant on Mzansi Magic: 'Judges' dialogue was an attempt to understand the contestant's identity'.

M-Net is apologising to DStv subscribers for Idols' on-air transgender shaming that kicked off the latest episode of the reality singing competition on Mzansi Magic when the judges and presenter mocked a contestant and showed viewers how to make fun out of guessing what gender someone might be.

M-Net says it "apologises unreservedly for any offence the comments may have caused".

The pay-TV broadcaster's apology comes after the [SIC] Entertainment produced show of the FremantleMedia format that is currently in its 13th South African season, kicked off Sunday night's episode with an episode-opener audition by Arshen Madlopha (22).

In a body-wrapping purple dress and matching purple high heels, the contestant traveled all the way from the small timber producing town of Piet Retief in Mpumalanga to audition for the show.

Unlike The Voice South Africa on M-Net (DStv 101) where the coaches have their backs turned to singers and judge them only on their vocal abilities, in Idols where it's also only the singing that's supposed to matter, the judges often have fun by judging appearances.

It was Arshen Madlopha's second try at Idols, and judge Unathi Msengana primed DStv subscribers watching, by perusing her notes and saying "It doesn't say if Ashen is a lady or a guy".

That is when Sunday night's episode of Idols on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161), executive produced by Gavin Wratten and ProVerb and covering the Johannesburg auditions, shocked viewers for how it trans-shamed contestant 11014.

"You're body is banging girl," judge Somizi Mhlongo, who happens to be gay, told Arshen Madlopha. "Walk like a lady."

Once the contestant had left the audition room, the whispering started.

"Is it a girl or boy?" asked a perplexed Idols guest judge Kelly Khumalo who was roped in to judge singing talent for the episode but who couldn't be bothered to ask the actual contestant directly.

"Boy," said Somizi.

"No, it's a girl," countered a surprised Unathi Msengana.

"It's a boy," said an adamant Randall Abrahams. "There was action," he said, motioning his Adam's apple. "I am confused, but it's such a beautiful boy though," said Kelly.

They all laughed heartily and fun was had by all speculating whether the contestant who sang Beyonce's "Halo" is really male or female.

Outside ProVerb, whose real name is Tebogo Thekisho and doubles as presenter, deadpanned by added another zinger: "Arshen had let both the ladies and the guys down."

It's not clear why Sphumelele Sibeko, M-Net's head of reality and entertainment and Reneilwe Sema, M-Net's director for local entertainment signed off on the trans-shaming content and okay-ed it for broadcast.

After [SIC] Entertainment producers failed to ask the contestant's gender and left it to the judges to speculate as a funny joke for Mzansi Magic viewers, Lindiwe Dlhamini, founder of Injabulo Anti-Bullying Project (IABP), called on Idols and the judges to apologise to Arshen Madlopha.

TVwithThinus asked M-Net what Mzansi Magic's view is when it comes to media shaming of transgender people and the bullying of people as it relates to gender and gender issues, and why people in power - supposed TV role models - are making fun by mining what gender someone belongs to for comedy.

Is this something Mzansi Magic endorses and why did Idols do this?

"South African Idols has a history supporting the LGBTQIA community, a fact which is illustrated in the make-up of the Top 16 over the past few seasons, our judging panel," says M-Net in response.

"In respect of this specific case, the Idols judges were judging the contestant's voice."

"All contestants are treated equally and judged on their singing, irrespective of who they are, where they come from or what their orientation is."

"The judges' dialogue was an attempt to understand the contestant’s identity and was not intended to offend, however we apologise unreservedly for any offence the comments may have caused."

It's not clear why the Idols judges in their attempt to understand the contestant's gender identity didn't ask the contestant or the show's producers.

Gareth Cliff: 'M-Net fired me on Friday afternoon, then on Saturday morning at twenty past midnight they put out this sneaky little press release'.

"They fired me on Friday afternoon. We had a meeting. We said to them, 'You know what, put out your press release, do whatever you want'. And then on Saturday morning at twenty past midnight they put out this sneaky little press release."

The fired Idols judge Gareth Cliff told listeners on his show on CliffCentral on Monday about M-Net firing him from the reality show, after he also wrote an open letter saying Idols was only an extramural activity for him.

M-Net abruptly axed Gareth Cliff from his perch as an Idols judge for the upcoming 12th season - a position he's held since joining Idols in the second season.

M-Net is also dumping Idols from the premium M-Net (DStv 101) channel, and making it a Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) show only - a move that was expected since November last year as audience demographics and viewership for the [SIC] Entertainment produced show changed over the past four seasons.

The swift removal of Gareth Cliff comes in the wake of the Idols judge who waded into the debate over the racist remarks made by the KwaZulu-Natal real estate agent Penny Sparrow she wrote two weeks ago.

After Penny Sparrow sparked a massive race debate in South Africa for calling black people "monkeys", Gareth Cliff remarked that "People really don't understand free speech at all."

A barrage of criticism followed, with people calling for the boycott of M-Net, Idols and CliffCentral - something which immediately became a very big concern for M-Net and its channels and started to damage and negatively impact the Idols brand.

"Idols is not my main focus. It never has been," said Gareth Cliff. "It did require me to be present every week for the whole last half of the year. Which kind of meant that I couldn't go anywhere, I couldn't do any long trips. There was very little that I could do to change that schedule. If you're on live TV once a week that ties you down."

"To be fired over this whole mess that took place on social media last week does feel slightly unfair," said Gareth Cliff.

"The M-Net executives who were quoted in the media said that they don't think that I'm any of those things that social media went on its high horse to try and name me X, Y and Z."

"I don't know exactly what their reasons are for not rehiring me on the show," said Gareth Cliff.

"I got calls on Saturday from Randall Abrahams, Unathi Msengana and Somizi Mhlongo [the other Idols judges] and they were all kind of supportive and everything else. I'm going to miss them."

"We worked as a family on the show for along time.So I'm going to miss that crew."

Gareth Cliff rubbished reports about court action against M-Net and Idols. "You obviously have to get legal opinion about these things."

"A lot of people are saying I'm going to take them to court and stuff which is nonsense. If anything comes of it, that's for the lawyers to decide."

"I'm sure the show will continue to be successful," said Gareth Cliff.

"There's lot of these reality shows. If you don't like Idols there's The Voice, if you don't like The Voice there's SA's Got Talent [on e.tv], if you don't like that there's ... a hundreds of these goddamn shows. It doesn't really rattle my cage. It doesn't necessarily change the world."

BREAKING. M-Net fires Gareth Cliff from Idols; drops Idols from M-Net channel, making it a Mzansi Magic show only for the 12th season.

M-Net has abruptly fired Gareth Cliff, dropping the CliffCentral creator and radio DJ from Idols as a judge, and as has been expected, is also dropping Idols from the premium M-Net (DStv 101) channel immediately, making it a Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) show only for the 12th season as The Voice takes centre stage on M-Net.

In a terse statement M-Net says that "Gareth Cliff will not be part of the judging panel for Idols season 12, which is due to commence with countrywide auditions at the end of January 2016."

"M-Net thanks Gareth Cliff for the critical role he has played in seeking out and developing new talent over the years and for contributing to the success of the show to date."

"Idols season 12 will be screened on M-Net's local interest channel Mzansi Magic which is available to both DStv Premium and DStv Compact viewers".

Beyond the uncomfortable statement M-Net, has so far remained silent as South Africa reacts to the news, with the pay-TV broadcaster no saying or explaining at all why and the specific reasons from M-Net's side for ending its Idols business relationship with Gareth Cliff.

The dropping of Idols from the M-Net channel has been expected due to viewership demographic and ratings changes after the pay-TV broadcaster made Idols a co-production since its 7th season in 2011 between M-Net (DStv 101) and Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) for the past four seasons.

Talk of firing Gareth Cliff who has been a judge on Idols since the second season, however only surfaced this week after he inadvertently pulled M-Net and Idols into a controversial national racism debate.

The powerful confluence of the worlds of entertainment and politics, combined with the power of social media, once again created a relentless firestorm that M-Net didn't want but couldn't ignore.

Gareth Cliff was the only white judge on the four person Idols judging panel, alongside Somizi Mhlongo who was added for the just concluded 11th season, alongside music executive Randall Abrahams, and artist Unathi Msengana.

M-Net's abrupt axing of Gareth Cliff from Idols as a longtime judge follows after the Randburg-based pay-TV broadcaster announced that it is "reviewing" the often controversial and outspoken personality's contract and ongoing participation in the reality singing competition show.

M-Net CEO Yolisa Phahle, who Gareth Cliff interviewed on CliffCentral in September 2015, was swift to respond and to quickly start distancing M-Net and Idols from Gareth Cliff.

Yolisa Phahle quickly started to make it clear this past week that Gareth Cliff "is not currently contracted by M-Net" and that "we will be reviewing his future employment with the company".

Gareth Cliff who in 2009 also had a one season long prime time talk show on M-Net is now apparently no longer welcome at M-Net who doesn't want Gareth Cliff to be associated with Idols going forward.

M-Net, as a premium pay-TV service and channels provider to MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform, is highly protective of its channels and show brands.

M-Net that's in the entertainment creation business this week became fearful of possible brand damage and alarmed over ongoing viewer criticism that it might not be able to stem or manage if Gareth Cliff remained connected to Idols through having a seat as a judge.

Pay-TV broadcaster M-Net's move to sever Idols ties with Gareth Cliff was a commercial decision about how to best protect M-Net and the local version of Idols produced by [SIC] Entertainment in South Africa of the format belonging to FremantleMedia.

Gareth Cliff's management was informed that there will no longer be a contract forthcoming to sign for the 12th season of Idols.

M-Net has now also implemented a zero tolerance policy over damaging online and social media comments and utterances that might implicate and damage M-Net and any of its brands and is informing all on-air talent about it.

The swift removal of Gareth Cliff comes in the wake of the Idols judge who waded into the highly controversial debate over the shocking racists remarks made by the KwaZulu-Natal real estate agent Penny Sparrow she wrote last Saturday.

After Penny Sparrow sparked a massive race debate in South Africa for calling black people "monkeys", Gareth Cliff remarked that "People really don't understand free speech at all."

A barrage of criticism followed, with people calling for the boycott of M-Net, Idols and CliffCentral - something which immediately became a very big concern for M-Net and its channels and started to damage and negatively impact the Idols brand.

Gareth Cliff later apologised for his remark, calling himself "an insensitive asshole", continued to explain what he meant and his views on race relations in South Africa, and saying that he needed to "continue his education" about hate speech.

According to sources there is anger in Camp Cliff over the firing, similar to when Viacom International Media Networks' (VIMN Africa) Comedy Central (DStv 122) channel decided to drop the on-air simulcast of Gareth Cliff's CliffCentral show in June 2014 just a month and a half after it launched.

Fellow Idols judge Somizi Mhlongo also ignited a race controversy in mid-December and was forced to very quickly apologise for his "racist white South Africans" comment that drew widespread criticism and a massive backlash from people, including former M-Net presenter and radio DJ Mark Pilgrim.

In 2010 an Idols race row erupted over the Idols judge Mara Louw's comments, with M-Net and Idols and Mara Louw who severed ties in 2011.

The nationwide audition process for the 12th season of Idols now on Mzansi Magic only will start on 30 January at The Playhouse in Durban.

It's possible that Idols might now go with just a 3-member judging panel and a city-to-city guest judge when the audition process kicks off.

An online petition, BringBackGarethCliff at https://goo.gl/JwwIuR was started, saying "lets not make Idols another politicised platform".

BREAKING. Big shake-up for judges panel of 11th season of Idols on M-Net and Mzansi Magic, as a 4th judge - a local musician - will be added.

I can reveal that a big shake-up is looming for the judges' panel of the 11th season of Idols on M-Net and Mzansi Magic - the addition of a 4th judge behind the table who will be a local South African musician.

That's not where the Idols' shake-up ends: a major upgrade is looming for the feared Theatre Round known as "hell week" - with producers upping the stakes even further, piling on even further twists and some changes to create a dauntingly difficult selection round which will leave contestants and viewers gobsmacked and shocked this season.

While tabloids went into overdrive this week with rife speculation about a change in the trio behind Idols' judges table and who is getting axed, whether someone is getting replaced or added, and gushing that an international judge is joining, none gave facts or were able to give give accurate information.

M-Net meanwhile is staying silent, only admitting to a change at Idols' judging table.

TV with Thinus can reveal the facts and the facts are these:

The 11th season of Idols will see Unathi Msengana, Randall Abrahams and Gareth Cliff all remain behind the judges' table.

None have been fired, none walked away, all are safe and will be back when the nationwide audition process kicks off this coming weekend.

According to high-level sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the shake-up entails the addition of a new 4th judge behind the Idols' table.

According to sources its not an international artist, and nobody on the existing Idols' panel is getting replaced.

Reliable sources tell me a local South African musician is joining as the brand-new 4th Idols judge.

"People who go to the auditions in Pretoria will be shocked since they will see the new 4th Idols' judge first," I'm told.

Meanwhile the reality singing show produced by [SIC] Entertainment - once again with Gavin Wratten as the executive producer and director - is also making dramatic changes to "hell week".

According to sources, those contestants who manage to make it past the first audition rounds will be shocked when they see what awaits at the Theatre round this year.

M-Net is refusing to talk about changes to Idols' judges table, only saying there will be a change. "We believe that the new season is going to be a show-stopper with surprises line-up from the word 'go'," says Lani Lombard, M-Net's head of publicity.

"It's exciting to think that the country's new singing sensation will be somewhere in a long queue at the nationwide auditions".

Auditions for the 11th season of Idols kick off tomorrow at the State Theatre in Pretoria, followed by Cape Town auditions on 7 February at GrandWest Casino, Durban on 21 February at The Playhouse and the final auditions at Carnival City on 1 March.

Contestants have to be between 16 and 30 and need to take their ID to auditions.

M-Net's Idols gets a gravitas boost to its judging panel as Randall Abrahams becomes a record label executive at Universal Music SA.

M-Net's Idols reality show currently at the beginning of its 8th season on the pay TV broadcaster Sundays at 17:30 once again has a record label representative on the judging panel with Idols judge Randall Abrahams who has been appointed as the managing director of Universal Music South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.

Universal Music South Africa is the sponsor of the record deal for the winner of Idols on M-Net, giving the judging panel more clout for the first time since the former Idols judge Dave Thompson suddenly left South Africa and emigrated two Idols' seasons ago.

Randall Abrahams is well-respected within South Africa's entertainment, music and TV industry (and by the great unwashed masses of Idols contestants, perhaps also feared).

Randall Abrahams' appointment as managing director of Universal Music South Africa gives him, in his role as an Idols judge even more gravitas, an insider told me today.

This year Randall Abrahams righted the insipidly sinking Sama Awards as the new CEO which was fast becoming a disorganised and discredited mess; last week in The Close Up on e.tv Top Billing presenter Jeannie D called Randall Abrahams pivotal in her career success with his constructive criticism and help while he was the head of radio at the SABC.

Randall Abrahams replaces Harry Voerman, who is retiring after more than two decades in charge of Universal Music South Africa.

Programming note: Unemotional on M-Net's Idols, SA's Got Talent judge Randall Abrahams breaks down and cries Thursday night!

You're reading it here first.

You have to see this! The rude, no-nonsense, and mostly unemotional Idols judge Randall Abrahams on M-Net will appear on this Thursday evening's episode of SA's Got Talent at 19:30 on SABC2 where he will break down in an emotional tear feast!

It's during the final act of Thursday evening's episode that viewers are going to be shocked by what they see when Randall Abrahams - usually aloof and detached on M-Net's Idols - has a complete emotional breakdown on SABC2's SA's Got Talent when Niyaaz Arendse (14) from Cape Town performs.

Through the performance viewers will see Randall Abrahams sing along, but afterwards as he weights in with his commentary, tears start to flow down Randall Abrahams face in a way he's never been seen on South African television before.