This week Simphiwe’s dream of becoming South Africa’s next Idols winner came to an end. But he says he is leaving the competition with pride, dignity and courage having learnt plenty during his time on the show.

He answers some of the questions you sent through on Facebook and Twitter.

1. Is he going to carry on singing? If so, when is he looking to release an album? - @niniiza5
I’m definitely going to carry on singing. I have not been sad; I’ve not shed one tear because I’m excited for my career now. I’m definitely going to continue singing, I’m going to release stuff and will be seen somewhere, sometime. Idols has created a great platform for me so I’m going to use it to my advantage.

2. Do you feel like it was worth it to audition so far away from home? Has it brought you to where you want to be as an artist? - Alfred Rankabane Lesenya
Yes. Absolutely. It was worth it. Every single trial and journey has been worth it because I am someone who is bold and much much more powerful in music, vocally, than I was 8 months ago.

3. Do you feel the Judges where hard on you personally? - Siphosetfu Innocent Makhositile
It was never a personal thing…oh well it could be and I don’t know (he giggles). The Judges just did their job.

4. Simphiwe now that you are out of the race, who do you think will win this season of @IdolsSA? - @3ishzn
I may be out of the Idols race but I’m not out of THE race. The guys are all so great, they are amazing but if I had to choose one I’d say Tshidi Tenyane.

5. Simphiwe what was your most memorable moment on Idols? - @Henryc23vut
There are so many, but my favourite one was making it to the Top 18, calling my mom and knowing I’d have to move to Joburg. And the most recent one is getting a place in Johannesburg, so I’m going to be based here now.



6. Simphiwe, who was your favourite person in the house, and who was the messiest? - @sav_van
All of the guys were so amazing but if I had to chose one I’d say Tshidi. She’s a great person. She’s a great musician and has a fantastic character…well she is a diva but I think that’s why I love her. She’s wild and she’s insane at times and when someone is down she brightens up your day.

The messiest people in the house are Melissa and Khaya, ya they are pretty messy, especially Melissa.

7. Is that the natural colour of your eyes? - Mo Letsie
Yeah baby, I’m an all-natural baby.

8. How does it feel knowing that you were so close to your golden dream? - @Mnandzi56
It feels very amazing to know that I AM close to my dream. I am living my dream. Not getting to the finals of Idols doesn’t mean I’m not going to achieve my dream, being here means that I’ve achieved a dream.

I’ve achieved so much that’s why I’m not leaving with heartache and pain. I’m not disappointed at all. I’m leaving with pride and dignity and with courage and passion because I have learnt so much.

9. Which of your performances did you enjoy most? - Nah Msomi IPhingoshe
I really loved the Showstopper because I could show that I can dance. And another was my Top 18 performance when I sang “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan.



10. How do you feel about the judges not saving you and do you think they wasted their one and only save? - Sebenzile Uzoba Strong Bhelekazi
The nice thing about not being a part of Idols now is that I can spread my wings and do whatever I want to do in music. So I think the Judges not using their save really helped me because I really want to do a lot. I think this has been a great platform and a great journey. I’ve learnt so much but I think its time I spread my wings and fly high.

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