In January 2002, Heinz Winckler claimed victory as the first-ever singing competition winner; more than a year later, in October 2003, Anke Pietrangeli claimed the top spot. After her, then-26-year-old Karin Kortje came out victorious in November 2005, followed by Jody Williams in December 2007.
Sasha Lee Davids and Jason Hartman
However, it was not until the show’s fifth season, in 2009, that a technical glitch caused by problems with voting lines led to the declaration of two winners – Sasha Lee Davids and Jason Hartman. Davids and Hartman received identical full prizes. Davids, who has gone on to pursue reality TV and presenting, said music could not leave her, even if she decided to leave the industry.
Happiness is a choice’: Sasha-Lee Davids on life after Idols and a possible return to reality TV | Channel
Following to controversial incident with Idols SA, the A Little Love hitmaker admitted things were “really crazy”, adding that she did not have the best time with the media. After the fiasco, Davids and her sister jetted off to England. A short while after the win, Hartman tried his hand at acting and landed his debut role as a lead in A Million Colours. It is a South African-Canadian production. Since jointly winning the competition, the On the Run singer sang at the opening of the Grand Prix in Monaco and the wedding of Prince Albert and South African Olympic swimmer Princess Charlene.
Elvis Blue
Blue, real name Jan Adriaan Hoogendyk, rose to fame when he won the title of Idols SA season 6 winner in 2010. Since then, three of his albums have gone platinum, and two others sold gold. After his win, the now 43-year-old singer made headlines when he shared half of his winnings with runner-up Lloyd Cele. He also recently performed at the popular Afrikaans is Groot concert in Pretoria earlier this month.
Elvis Blue – Wikipedia
Vincent Bones
Idols SA season 10 winner Vincent Bones earned a spot in viewers’ hearts when he shared his story upon entering the singing competition. After much hard work, the former homeless Bones claimed victory in the season, which lured 24.3 million votes. Since then, Bones has relocated to Michigan, US, and grown his family. Bones also doubles up as a preacher.
Five reasons why millions of South African Idols viewers love Vincent Bones
Paxton Fielies
In 2013, season 13 winner Paxton Fielies, a then-high school pupil, was crowned the show’s youngest contestant, during auditions, at 16. The singer performed at events and was, in 2021, busy with renovations to her family home. The Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions slowed the process down.
My Journey To Success With Paxton Fielies
Yanga Sobetwa
The 21-year-old season 14 winner, Yanga Sobetwa, has forged her way in the contemporary gospel music category since winning the competition. At the tender age of 17, her single, Promised Land, featuring Amanda Black and the Soweto Gospel choir, topped iTunes’ Gospel Charts. Sobetwa is gearing up for a performance at a thanksgiving praise night in Centurion later this month.