Former 'Idols SA' judge Somizi Mhlongo will be replaced by guest judges. Picture: Twitter
Speculation has been rife as to who will replace Somizi Mhlongo on the Idols SA judging panel after he was removed some weeks ago.
M-Net and Somizi mutually parted ways to give the star time to deal with abuse allegations made by his estranged husband Mohale Motaung.
Somizi has appeared in season 17 of the singing competition at the height of the controversy because all episodes were pre-recorded.
However, Idols SA is now at the live show stages, with the top 16 set to perform from this Sunday, and the show needs the empty chair filled to work alongside judges, Unathi Nkayi and Randall Abrahams.
M-Net released a statement on Friday clarifying who would temporarily fill Somizi’s seat and how this would be done.
ALSO READ: Is Dr Tumi the one to replace Somizi on ‘Idols SA’?
“Idols SA fans should brace themselves for an exciting line-up of celebrities…
“The guest judges will be chosen from the infinite pool of Mzansi’s entertainment industry – who are trailblazers in their respective crafts. The guest judges are going to be announced weekly via the Mzansi Magic social media platforms,” the statement read.
The channel added that the judges would add “new flavour” to feedback given to this season’s hopefuls.
When Mohale made the abuse claims earlier this month, some aspects of Somizi’s career hung in the balance. He is still not back on Metro FM despite indicating his imminent return. However, the choreographer can’t seem to get out of the bad news cycle.
This week, an old video clip of a past interview with former 947 host Macgyver “MacG” Mukwevho went viral. MacG opened up about how he coped with depression after being fired from YFM. In his vulnerable state, MacG said he abused alcohol and was promiscuous to deal with his pain.
Somizi wondered “where he was” at the time so he could have “pounced” on the DJ because he had a crush on him.
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