The show confirmed he will not be coming back to the judging panel.

After vacating his seat on the Idols SA judging panel a month or so ago, the show’s producers have confirmed that Somizi Mhlongo will not return as a judge. In his place, a celeb guest will make a weekly appearance.

Idols fans are seemingly very excited for celebrities from all over South Africa to make appearances on the popular talent finding program. The guest judges will take their seats next to Unathi Nkayi and Randall Abrahams, who remain resident judges on the show.

“As the competition now advances to live auditions with the top 16 contestants left to sing it out for the coveted grand prize, the guest judges will be chosen from the infinite pool of Mzansi’s entertainment industry,” the statement read, clearly indicating that the producers are trying their best to keep the show’s panel as diverse as possible.

The judges will be announced weekly on Mzansi Magic’s social media accounts, leaving lots of room for speculation about who will be featured on the show each week.

“Their new voices are certainly going to add a new flavour to the feedback given to the ’Idols SA’ season 17 hopefuls”, read the statement.

Earlier, Mnet met with Mhlongo to discuss their relationship going forward. They reached a mutual decision to call it quits.

“M-Net and Mr Somizi Mhlongo met to discuss his role on ’Idols SA’ in light of the allegations made against him,” it was explained.

Currently, Mhlongo is facing allegations of abuse against his estranged husband, Mohale Motaung. According to Motaung, Mhlongo tried to kill him with a kitchen knife. When he tried to flee, Mhlongo chased him down with his car and tried to push him off the road.

Somizi has denied abusing Mohale and asked for privacy while he finalises his divorce.