The reality TV show *Idols SA* has been a major platform for aspiring South African singers, but it has also been a source of notable drama over the years, both on and off the stage. From contestants’ emotional moments to legal battles, the show has never been short of controversy. Here are a few key events that have left their mark on the show’s history.

One of the earliest scandals involved judge Mara Louw during the seventh season in 2011. Mara was reportedly under the influence of alcohol and medication while on set, leading to an incident where she appeared drunk on camera.

She later apologized, explaining that she had taken strong medication for a broken toe and unknowingly consumed vodka mixed into her energy drink by a colleague.

Mara later suggested that the incident might have been a setup by people looking to get her removed from the judging panel, a claim she did not back up with evidence but nevertheless hinted at behind-the-scenes politics.

In a bizarre twist during season five, the show faced a technical glitch that led to two winners. Initially, Sasha Lee Davids was announced as the victor, but it was later revealed that many SMS votes had not been counted due to a system error.

After recalculating, Jason Hartman was found to have received more votes than Sasha Lee. To resolve the issue, *Idols SA* crowned both as winners, with prizes for both contestants doubled.

Legal drama came into the spotlight when long-time judge Gareth Cliff was fired ahead of season 12 after making controversial comments on social media about race. The controversy sparked outrage, and Gareth sued *Idols SA* for wrongful termination and defamation.

In a court ruling, he won his case and was reinstated as a judge, highlighting the legal complexities that can arise from high-profile firings in the entertainment industry.

Another dramatic moment involved contestant Siyakha, who was disqualified from the show after it was discovered that she had signed a contract with a record label before entering the competition.

This violated *Idols SA*’s rules, which forbid contestants from having any pre-existing contracts. Although Siyakha contested the claim and alleged that the label had not promoted her work, her disqualification stood, and she was forced to leave the competition.

Finally, emotions ran high in season 13 when runner-up Thokozisi Ndaba walked off stage after losing to Paxton Fielies. Thokozisi’s behavior was seen by many as unsportsmanlike, and he was criticized for being a sore loser.

He later apologized for his actions, explaining that the loss was a deep personal disappointment, as he had hoped to dedicate his victory to his late family members.

In conclusion, while *Idols SA* has provided a platform for discovering incredible talent, it has also seen its fair share of drama.

From backstage politics and technical errors to personal struggles and legal disputes, the show’s history is a reminder that reality TV often mirrors the unpredictable and emotional nature of life itself.

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