SA’S GOT TALENT

SABC2’s talent show kicks off with a bang.

From delightful child-acts to daring adult-performances, a colourful assortment of the rainbow nation’s would-be stars will be trying their luck in SA’s Got Talent, which starts on SABC 2 on October 1 at 19h30.

Presented by Cadbury Lunch Bar, the long-awaited homegrown version of the international talent-show sensation is finally hitting our screens. The judges are media and radio personality Shado Twala, the infamous Randall Abrahams as well as Ian von Memerty of Strictly Come Dancing and the presenters are sassy 5FM DJ Anele Mdoda and zany comedian Rob van Vuuren.

Auditions took place around the country in recent months. They came out in their thousands from six year olds to 82 year olds. The first instalment will include hilarious moments from the Johannesburg and Durban auditions, as well as some dazzling performances.

Cleo Filander (8) sings Andrea Boccelli’s The Prayer and brings judge Ian to tears; Bradley Evan Hartmann (11) dresses up and performs like Michael Jackson and has the crowd roaring its approval. Look out for a scintillating Zulu dance troupe Amabhubesi from Durban… and, of course, the inevitable assortment of singers who are so truly dreadful that they test the judges’ patience.

Ed Worster, SABC 2’s programme manager, said: “Having been part of the audition process, I am confident that we as a channel have tapped into the South African market and will produce the next best talent. We are proud to bring this programme to the nation.’

“Cadbury is extremely excited to be associated with SA’s Got Talent”, says Cadbury Marketing Director for Chocolate, Mike Middleton. ”We believe South Africa is a nation of incredible and diverse talents, looking for an opportunity to show that they too are made of “much, much, more” - just like Lunch Bar, one of SA’s favourite chocolates.”

Every Thursday night, from October 1 to November 5, audiences will view highlights of the auditions in an hour-long show. During the semi-finals on November 9, 10 and 11, there will be a performance show from 19h30 to 20h30 each night, followed by a public vote and then a results show at 21h30.

Two acts per night will go through to the finale on November 12 at 19h30 where the top six will lock horns for a shot at the R250,000 grand prize. While the semi-final round will see selections made partly by judges, partly by the viewers, the winner’s fate is ultimately in the hands of the public.

SA’s Got Talent will premiere on October 1 at 19h30 on SABC 2.