In the final episode of the 19th season of Idols SA, Thabo Ndlovu from Mpumalanga was announced as the winner. The 24-year-old contestant won a range of prizes, including a cash prize of R1 million, a brand-new Toyota Vitz, a technology bundle from Huawei worth R65 000, R10 000 musical equipment from Yamaha, a wardrobe valued at R100 000 courtesy of Truworths and a record deal from judge JR's Feel Good Music.
Thabo Ndlovu expressed his gratitude and humility upon receiving the title, thanking everyone for their support.
"I'm so humbled. I'm so grateful for each and every one of you," these were the words uttered by an emotional Thabo Ndlovu as he was named the winner of the 19th and final season of Idols SA on Saturday evening.
His runner-up was Princess MacDonald, also from Mpumalanga. She takes home all her live show outfits and a fashion voucher valued at R50 000, also from Truworths.
The two contestants reached the top two positions after Faith Nakana was eliminated in the previous week.
As part of the show's finale, the judges, Thembi Seete and Somizi Mhlongo, made a dramatic appearance wearing different shades of green. The theme for the finale was 'iLast Number.' The episode featured guest performances from artists such as Sipho Hotstix Mabuse, Vusi Nova, PJ Morton, and rapper Cassper Nyovest. In line with tradition, the top ten contestants also came together for a spectacular performance, and judge Somizi Mhlongo also performed.
The announcement of the show's conclusion after its 19th season was made in February, despite efforts to revive it the previous year. However, there have been reports speculating that Primedia Studios is working on bringing the show to a new audience on a free-to-air SABC channel, indicating a potential future revival.
Shirley Adonisi, the boss of M-Net local entertainment channels, commented on the resilience and incredible talent showcased in the season, emphasizing that Idols SA has been a platform of empowerment for both contestants and viewers. Adonisi expressed gratitude to SIC Entertainment for their partnership and thanked the sponsors for their contribution to the show's success as the curtain falls on its memorable 19-season journey.
