Idols SA Season 17 took place in 2021 during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic just like the previous season, the winner was Berenike “Berry” Trytsman and the runner-up is Karabo Mathe.
The start date of Idols SA Season 17 was revealed on Monday 28 June 2021 by Mzansi Magic, the announcement was made on the official Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook pages of Idols South Africa.
Judge Somizi Mhlongo was present in all the first seven episodes of the season, but then he and Mzansi Magic agreed that he takes a break away from the show so that he gets more time to solve his marital problems with his estranged husband, Mohale Motaung.
Shortly before the live shows started with episode 8, it was decided that Somizi Mhlongo’s place on the judges’ panel be replaced by guest judges who were selected from South Africa’s pool of celebrities in the entertainment industry.
Idols SA Season 17’s production is one of the best that we have ever seen on Idols South Africa, the set was always on point, and the camera angles and movements were also top-notch.
Season Summary
| Hosted by: | ProVerb |
| Judges: | Unathi Nkayi, Somizi Mhlongo and Randall Abrahams |
| Theme: | Unathi Nkayi, Somizi Mhlongo, and Randall Abrahams |
| Winner: | Berenike “Berry” Trytsman |
| Runner-up: | Karabo Mathe |
| Original Network: | Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) |
| Start date: | Sunday 11 July 2021 |
| End date: | Sunday 21 November 2021 |
| Number of episodes: | 20 |
| Sponsors: | Old Mutual, Renault, Vodacom, Truworths, Darling & Yamaha |
List of Contents
Idols SA Season 17 Auditions
The Idols SA season 17 auditions were officially announced on Monday 25 January 2021, and they kicked off on Friday 29 January 2021, at 9 a.m.
Unlike the previous seasons, the season 17 auditions were entirely carried out online due to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
The Idols SA Season 17 hopefuls had to follow a few steps in order to successfully audition, those steps can be found here.
The auditions were to officially end either on Sunday 14 February 2021, or after the number of audition entries had reached 15,000.
By Friday 5 February 2021, the number of people that had auditioned was 10,000. Three days later on Monday 8 February 2021, that number increased to 12,000 auditions.
On Thursday, February 11, 2021, the number of auditions reached 14,000, and by the end of the next day on Friday 12 February 2021, the Idols SA season 17 auditions were officially closed after reaching 15,000, the maximum number of audition entries.
From the 15,000 people who sent in audition video clips, hundreds of them successfully auditioned and were contacted by the Idols South Africa team.
Four audition episodes were then recorded and aired on TV with the first one being broadcast on Sunday 11 July 2021.
| Episode | Date | Guest Judge | Golden Tickets |
| 1 | Sunday 11 July 2021 | Prince Kaybee | 20 |
| 2 | Sunday 18 July 2021 | Ntokozo Mbambo | 31 |
| 3 | Sunday 25 July 2021 | Ringo Madlingozi | 24 |
| 4 | Sunday 1 August 2021 | Zwai Bala | 33 |
A total of 108 golden tickets were given out during the four auditions episodes.
Idols SA Season 17 Theatre Week
Filming the Theatre Week kicked off towards the end of March 2021.
Group Performances
A total of 39 contestants managed to reach the Group Performance stage of Theatre Week. These contestants were then divided into thirteen groups with each consisting of just three contestants.
Idols SA Season 17’s group performances were aired in episode 5 which had been recorded and broadcast on Sunday 8 August 2021.
Main Article: Watch The Idols SA Season 17 Theatre Week Group Performances
Solo Performances
For this season’s Solo Performance stage, we had the Top 30 contestants who were divided into two groups of 15, Groups 1 and 2.
Group 1
Solo performances of the first 15 contestants were aired in episode 6 on Sunday 15 August 2021.
| Contestant | Song | Result |
| Bulelani | “247” by Mnqobi Yazo | Advanced |
| Kevin Maduna | “Stuck On You” by Giveon | Advanced |
| DudluKaDlamini | “Risky” by Elaine | Eliminated |
| Lionel | “Vuma Dlozi” by Big Zulu | Eliminated |
| Faith | “Levitating” by Dua Lipa | Eliminated |
| CeeJay | “Pretend” by Langa Mavuso | Eliminated |
| Karabo Mathe | “Lala Ngoxolo” by Ami Faku | Advanced |
| Misty | “Ready For You” by Black Coffee | Advanced |
| Mic Nash | “Never Gonna Forget” by Black Coffee | Eliminated |
| Noluswazi | “Love On Top” by Beyoncé | Eliminated |
| Monique Erens | “Hypnotise” by Rowlene | Advanced |
| Berry | “Neverland” by Zendaya | Advanced |
| Sia Mzizi | “Redbone” by Childish Gambino | Advanced |
| Siya Motloung | “Sthandwa” by Blaq Diamond | Advanced |
| S’22kile | “Brown Skin Girl” by Beyoncé | Advanced |
Main Article: Idols SA Season 17 Top 30 Contestants
Group 2
Solo performances of the other 15 contestants were aired in episode 7 on Sunday 22 August 2021.
| Contestant | Song | Result |
| Ithana | “Good Job” by Alicia Keys | Advanced |
| Tesmin-Robyn | “Ncese” by LaSauce | Advanced |
| Sinovuyo | “Mercy” by Shawn Mendes | Advanced |
| Baby | “Forever” by Sithelo | Eliminated |
| Gugu | “Higher and Higher” by Brenda Fassie | Eliminated |
| Andiswa | “Motivation” by Normani | Advanced |
| Linathi | “Do It” by Chloe x Halle | Eliminated |
| Phindile Morgets | “Hamba” by Q Twins | Eliminated |
| Sizzy | “Anybody” by Burna Boy | Eliminated |
| Nqobie | “Ilanga” by Sun El Musician, Ami Faku & Simmy | Advanced |
| Athule Konki | “Molo” by Aubrey Qwana | Eliminated |
| Aveesono | “One Dance” by Drake | Eliminated |
| Daylin Sass | “Save Your Tears” by The Weeknd | Advanced |
| Kwanda | “Own It” by Stormzy | Eliminated |
| Zukisa M | “Perfect Strangers” by Jonas Blue | Advanced |
Main Article: Watch The Idols SA Season 17 Solo Performances
Finalists
Idols SA Season 17 Top 16 Contestants
The Top 16 contestants were revealed in two episodes, first eight contestants were revealed in episode 6 on Sunday 15 August 2021, while the other eight were revealed a week later in episode 7 on Sunday 22 August 2021.
NOTE: Click on a contestant’s name to view his or her full profile
| Contestant | Age on Entry | Hometown | Place finished |
| Andiswa Zondi | 18 | Johannesburg | |
| Berenike Trytsman “Berry” | 30 | Cape Town | Winner |
| Mpumelelo Twala “Bulelani” | 18 | Heidelberg, Ratanda | |
| Daylin Delryn Sass | 22 | Hanover Park, Cape Town | |
| Anathi Conjwa “Ithana” | 22 | Cala, Eastern Cape | |
| Karabo Mathe | 22 | Hebron, North West | |
| Kevin Maduna | 28 | Soweto (Boksburg) | |
| Patience Tiisetso Makhene “Misty” | 30 | Vosloorus | |
| Monique Erens | 24 | Cape Town | |
| Nqobisile Linda “Nqobie” | 28 | Soweto | |
| S’thuthukile Babalwa Langa “S’22kile” | 20 | Pietermaritzburg | |
| Siyabonga Mzizi “Sia” | 20 | Tsakane | |
| Sinovuyo Nomava Mbhele | 20 | Vosloorus | |
| Siya Motloung | 21 | Katlehong | |
| Tesmin-Robyn Khanye | 23 | Katlehong | |
| Zukisa Joshua Mashiqa “Zukisa M” | 16 | Pietermaritzburg, KZN |
Main Article: Idols SA Season 17 Top 16 Contestants
Live Shows
As the season entered the live show phase, the Top 16 contestants were split into two groups of eight, A and B.
Top 16 Group A
Group A contestants performed live in episode 8 on Sunday 29 August 2021.
Theme: “The Biggest Hits Of Today”
Guest Judge: Lady Du
Group Song: Group A Contestants performed “It Ain’t Me” by DJ Abux X Soulking Ft. Innocent Boetie
| Contestant | Song | Result |
| Andiswa | “Midnight Sky” by Miley Cyrus | Eliminated |
| Bulelani | “Attention” by Charlie Puth | Advanced |
| Sinovuyo | “Pick Up Your Feelings” by Jazmine Sullivan | Eliminated |
| Nqobie | “Hard Place” by H.E.R. | Advanced |
| Sia Mzizi | “Heartbreak Anniversary” by Giveon | Advanced |
| Tesmin-Robyn | “Before I Let Go” by Beyoncé | Eliminated |
| Daylin Sass | “Leave The Door Open” by Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic | Advanced |
| Berry | “You Say” by Lauren Daigle | Advanced |
Top 16 Group B
Group B contestants performed in episode 9 on Sunday 5 September 2021.
Theme: “The Biggest Hits Of Today”
Guest Judge: Buhle Mda
Group Song: Group B Contestants performed “My Power” by Beyoncé
| Contestant | Song | Result |
| Siya | “In Your Eyes” by The Weeknd | Eliminated |
| Zukisa M | “Distance” by Yebba | Eliminated |
| Misty | “Dying For Your Love” by Snoh Aalegra | Eliminated |
| Karabo Mathe | “Stand Up For Something” by Andra Day Ft. Common | Advanced |
| S’22kile | “Meant To Be” by Bebe Rexha | Advanced |
| Monique Erens | “I’ll Never Love Again” by Lady Gaga | Advanced |
| Ithana | “Forgive Me” by Chloe x Halle | Advanced |
| Kevin Maduna | “Peaches” by Justin Bieber | Advanced |
Idols SA Season 17 Top 10
Season 17’s Top 10 contestants were revealed in episode 10 on Sunday 12 September 2021.
Performances Of The Evening:
- Boohle and Busta 929 performed “Amawaza”
- Top 16 Group A performed “Siyathanda” by Cassper Nyovest Ft. Boohle and Abidoza
- Big Zulu and Lwah Ndlunkulu performed “Umuzi eSandton”
- Top 16 Group B performed “SummerYoMuthi” by Blaq Diamond
- Pabi Cooper, Busta929 and Reece Madlisa performed “Isphithiphithi”
- Mthandazo Gatya performed “Uzobizwa”
- Makhadzi and Prince Benza performed “Ghanama”
Main Article: Idols SA Season 17 Top 10 Contestants
Idols SA Season 17 Top 9
The Top 9 contestants performed live in episode 11 on Sunday 19 September 2021.
Theme: “Battle Of The DJs”
Guest Perfomers: Prince Kaybee, De Mthuda, DJ Cleo, DJ Sumbody & Sun-El Musician
| Contestant | Song | Result |
| Nqobie | “Akanamali” by Sun-El Musician – Ft. Samthing Soweto | Advanced |
| Sia Mzizi | “Emlanjeni” by De Mthuda & Sir Trill Ft. Da Muziqal Chef | Advanced |
| Berry | “Choose To Be Happy” by DJ Cleo Ft. Mmatema | Advanced |
| Daylin Sass | “Friend Zone” by Prince Kaybee Ft. Ziyon | Advanced |
| Karabo | “Gcina Impilo Yam” by DJ Cleo Ft. Bucy Radebe | Advanced |
| S’22kile | “Wamuhle” by De Mthuda Ft. Njelic & Boohle | Advanced |
| Monique | “Charlotte” by Prince Kaybee Ft. Lady Zamar | Eliminated |
| Kevin | “Piki Piki” by DJ Sumbody Ft. Cassper Nyovest & Kaylow | Advanced |
| Bulelani | “Iyamemeza” by DJ Sumbody Ft. Drip Gogo & The Lowkeys | Advanced |
| Ithana | “Ubomi Abumanga” by Sun-El Musician Ft. Msaki | Withdrew |
NOTE: Ithana did not perform on Sunday 19 September 2021 because she withdrew from the competition leaving only nine contestants on the show, this automatically made it a Top 9.
READ: Here is why Ithana withdrew from Idols SA Season 17
Idols SA Season 17 Top 8
The Top 8 contestants were revealed in episode 12 on Sunday 26 September 2021, they also performed live on this same date.
Theme: “”
Guest Judge: Dineo Ranaka
Guest Performer: Lloyiso performed “Seasons”
| Contestant | Song | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Karabo | “When I See U” by Fantasia | Advanced |
| Nqobie | “Uthando” by Soa Mattrix & Soulful G Ft. Shaun 101 | Advanced |
| S’22kile | “Xola Moya Wam” by Nomcebo Zikode Ft. Master KG | Advanced |
| Sia Mzizi | “Dream About You” by Lloyiso | Advanced |
| Daylin Sass | “Yummy” by Justin Bieber | Advanced |
| Bulelani | “Uyeke” by Heavy K Ft. Natalia Mabaso | Eliminated |
| Berry | “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd | Advanced |
| Kevin | “Case” by Teni | Advanced |
Idols SA Season 17 Top 7
The Top 7 contestants were revealed in episode 13 on Sunday 3 October 2021, they also performed live on this same date.
Theme: “Mzansi Greats”
Guest Judge and Performer: Zahara
Guest Performance: Zahara performed “Izolo”
| Contestant | Song |
|---|---|
| Karabo | “Paradise Road” by Joy |
| Daylin Sass | “Take your Love” by Steve Kekana |
| Berry | “I’d Like” by Freshlyground |
| Kevin | “Nguwe” by Malaika |
| Sia Mzizi | “Sondela” by Ringo Madlingozi |
| S’22Kile | “No No No Senor” by Brenda Fassie |
| Nqobie | “I Love Music” by Lebo Mathosa |
NOTE: The judges decided to cancel this week’s elimination, therefore no contestant was booted from the show. Instead, the Top 7 performed again the following week in episode 14 on Sunday 10 October 2021.
Theme: “Showstopper”
Guest Judge: Thembi Seete
Group Performance: The Top 7 performed “Osama” by Zakes Bantwini Ft. Kasango
Guest Performance: Young Stunna, Mellow and Sleazy and Felo Le Tee wowed the audience with their banging performance of “Bopha”
| Contestant | First Song | Result |
|---|---|---|
| S’22Kile | “Dance For You” by Beyoncé | Advanced |
| Sia Mzizi | “John Wick” by De Mthuda Ft. Sir Trill & Da Muziqal Chef | Eliminated |
| Karabo | “Respect” by Aretha Franklin | Advanced |
| Daylin Sass | “LaLaLa” by Black Coffee Ft. Usher | Advanced |
| Berry | “Something’s Got A Hold On Me” by Christina Aguilera | Advanced |
| Nqobie | “Dance Like We’re Making Love” by Ciara | Advanced |
| Kevin | “We Dance Again” by Black Coffee Ft. Nakhane Toure | Advanced |
Idols SA Season 17 Top 6
The Top 6 contestants were revealed in episode 15 on Sunday 17 October 2021, they also performed live on this same date.
Themes:
– “Oskido’s Playlist”
– “The Song Book of Max Martin”
Guest Judge: Oskido
| Contestant | First Song | Second Song | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berry | “Power” by Amanda Black | “Dark Horse” by Katy Perry | Advanced |
| Kevin | “Ubomi Abumanga” by Sun-El Musician Ft. Msaki | “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi | Advanced |
| Nqobie | “Feelings” by Zonke | “Please Don’t Leave Me” by Pink | Advanced |
| S’22Kile | “Ntyilo Ntyilo” by Rethabile Khumalo Ft. Master KG | “Send My Love (To Your New Lover)” by Adele | Eliminated |
| Karabo | “Ngeke Balunge” by Mafikizolo | “Perfect” by Pink | Advanced |
| Daylin Sass | “Something Inside So Strong” by Lira | “Pillowtalk” by Zayn | Advanced |
Idols SA Season 17 Top 5
The Top 5 contestants were revealed in episode 16 on Sunday 24 October 2021, they also performed live on this same date.
Themes:
– “Unplugged”
– “Impersonations”
Guest Judge and Performer: Khaya Dladla
| Contestant | First Song | Second Song | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karabo | “Thandwa Ndim” by Amanda Black | “River Deep Mountain High” by Tina Turner | Advanced |
| Daylin Sass | “Fairytale” by Liquideep | “Whataya Want From Me” by Adam Lambert | Eliminated |
| S’22kile | “Easy To Love” by Bucie Ft. Heavy K | “Love On The Brain” by Rihanna | Advanced |
| Berry | “Happy” by Craig Lucas | “The Edge of Glory” by Lady Gaga | Advanced |
| Kevin | “Mnike” by Afrotraction | “As” by the late George Michael & Mary J. Blige | Advanced |
Idols SA Season 17 Top 4
The Top 4 contestants were revealed in episode 17 on Sunday 31 October 2021, they also performed live on this same date.
Themes:
– “Judges’ Choice”
– “SAMA Winners”
Guest Judge and Performer: Kelly Khumalo
Guest Performance: Kelly Khumalo performed “Awazi Lutho”
Group Performance: Top 5 Contestants performed “Viva The Legend” by Zonke
| Contestant | First Song | Second Song | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| S’22Kile | “Diamonds” by Rihanna | “Sonini” by Sun-El Musician Ft. Sammy & Leto Kamau | Advanced |
| Kevin | “Banyana” by DJ Maphorisa & Tyler ICU | “These Streets” by Mi Casa | Eliminated |
| Karabo | “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” by Jennifer Hudson | “Black President” by Brenda Fassie | Advanced |
| Berry | “No Tears Left To Cry” by Ariana Grande | “Hold Your Kite” by GoldFish & Sorana | Advanced |
NOTE: 8 Million votes were cast over the week.
Idols SA Season 17 Top 3
The Top 3 contestants were revealed in episode 18 on Sunday 7 November 2021, they also performed live on this same date.
Themes:
– “A Cover”
– “A Trending Tune”
– “A Duet With An Established Artist”
Guest Judge and Performer: Judith Sephuma
Duets:
– Berry and Ayanda Ntanzi : “Basuk”
– Karabo and Lebo Sekgobela : “Hallelujah Mdumiseni”
– Kevin and Dumi Mkokstad : “Ukuhlala Kuye”
– S’22kile and Hlengiwe Mhlaba : “uMhlekazi”
| Contestant | First Song | Second Song | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berry | “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers | “Easy On Me” by Adele | Advanced |
| Karabo | “Gold” by Beverly Knight | “Phakade Lami” by Nomfundo Moh Ft. ShaSha | Advanced |
| S’22Kile | “Mna Nawe” by Amanda Black | “Woman” by Doja Cat | Eliminated |
Idols SA Season 17 Top 2
The Top 2 contestants were revealed in episode 19 on Sunday 14 November 2021, they also performed live on this same date.
Themes:
– “New Singles”
– “Song of the Season (Showstopper)”
– “Audition Song”
Guest Judge and Performer: Msaki
Guest Performance: Msaki performed “Fetch Your Life”
Group Performance: Top 10 (eliminated contestants, excluding Ithana) performed “Messiah” by Blaq Diamond & Dumi Mkokstad
– S’22Kile performed her new single, “Falling” before she was eliminated
| Contestant | First Song (New Single) | Second Song | Third Song | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karabo | “Hosanna” | “Ngidinge” by CiCi | “Respect” by Aretha Franklin | Runner-up |
| Berry | “Ungowami” | “Never Enough” by Loren Allred | “Something’s Got a Hold On Me” by Etta James | Winner |
Idols SA Season 17 Grand Finale
The Idols SA season 17 Grand Finale took place on Sunday 21 November 2021, this was episode 20 of the season.
Guest Performers:
- Busta 929 and Mzu M performed “Mmapula”
- Musa Keys and Nobantu Vilakazi performed “Vula Mlomo”
- Zama Khumalo performed “Is’thunzi”
- Mafikizolo performed “Mamezala”
- Oskido, Ndoni and Meez performed “Emakhaya”
Performances:
- Top 10 Contestants (excluding Ithana) performed “A Million Dreams” by The Greatest Showman Cast
- Karabo (backed by Mzansi Gay Choir) performed “River Deep Mountain High” by Tina Turner
- Berry (backed by Mzansi Gay Choir) performed : “Edge Of Glory” by Lady Gaga
- Top 10 (eliminated contestants, excluding Ithana) performed “Banomoya” by Prince Kaybee Ft. Busiswa & TNS
- Top 2 Duet: Berry and Karabo performed “Never Break” by John Legend
- Winner’s Song (Closing Performance) : Berry performed “Ungowami”
Season chronology:
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READ NEXT:
› Idols SA Season 17 Online Polls
› Idols SA Winners: Where Are They Now?
› Idols SA Presenters From Season 1 To Date
