Since its debut in 2002, South African Idol has seen countless talented contestants grace its stage. Each season, thousands line up for the chance to impress the judges, but only one can win. Yet, some of the most successful artists to emerge from the competition never claimed the top prize. Here, we look at five such contestants who, despite losing on Idols SA, went on to become stars in their own right.

1. Shekhinah

Shekhinah Donnell first auditioned for Idols SA in 2011 at the age of 16, impressing the judges with her rendition of Amy Winehouse’s “Valerie.” She reached the top six but lost out to eventual winner Khaya Mthethwa.

However, Shekhinah’s talent couldn’t be denied, and in 2022, she became the first woman to receive six South African Music Award (SAMA) nominations in a single year.

Her debut album *Rose Gold* earned her critical acclaim and commercial success, particularly with hits like “Suited.” Despite her loss on Idols, Shekhinah has become an international sensation, proving that the show was only the beginning of her journey.

2. Amanda Black

Amanda Benedicta Antony, known by her stage name Amanda Black, was eliminated from the top 16 of Idols SA in 2015. Though her early exit was a disappointment, Amanda refused to let it define her career.

She went on to release her debut album, *Amazulu*, which earned her multiple awards and recognition across the African continent. Amanda credits Idols SA for giving her a platform to showcase her talent, even though she believes that not winning the competition was a blessing in disguise. Today, Amanda Black is a force in the South African music industry, and her story serves as inspiration for aspiring artists.

3. Lloyiso Gijana

Lloyiso Gijana was just 16 when he competed in season 11 of Idols SA in 2015, where he made it to the top five. Though he didn’t go further in the competition, Lloyiso’s powerful voice left a lasting impression.

In 2021, he became the first South African artist to sign with Republic Records, home to global stars like Ariana Grande and Post Malone. Lloyiso’s journey from Idols SA to international stardom exemplifies the impact that sheer talent and determination can have, even without a victory on the show.

Gugu Zulu was eliminated from Idols SA’s top 16, but that didn’t stop her from pursuing her dreams. In 2021, Gugu represented South Africa on *The Voice of Germany*, where she reached the finals and wowed audiences with her performances.

Originally from KwaZulu-Natal, Gugu studied at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and even performed on stage as Nala in *The Lion King*. Gugu credits her diverse musical background and the exposure she gained from Idols SA for helping her develop as an artist.

5. Thami Shobede

Thami Shobede finished as the runner-up in season 12 of Idols SA in 2017. Despite not winning, he went on to release his debut album *Never Lost*, which earned him multiple award nominations.

His hit single from the album reached number one on iTunes the day it was released. Thami started writing songs for the album as early as 2015, right after he was eliminated from Idols, proving his dedication to his craft. Though Thami did not take the crown on the show, his post-Idols success solidified his place as a respected artist in the South African music scene.

These five artists show that winning isn’t the only path to success on Idols SA. Each of them has used their time on the show as a springboard to launch remarkable careers, proving that talent and determination can transcend competition results.

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