Some fans of the singing competition were sceptical.
Unathi Nkayi and Randall Abrahams had become the faces of the show.
So when it was announced that the news Idols SA judges would be JR Bogopa, Thembi Seete and Somizi Mhlongo, many wondered how the team would gel.
Turns out, they gelled just fine, with the 18th season of Idols SA being popular not only for the talented singers competing against each other to win the title, but the judges' banter and remarks.
Although fans of the show found rapper JR to be difficult to please, he tells us this was not the case.
“It is a personality thing," he explains.
"Not that you programe yourself to say that ‘I am going to be the cool judge or the hard-to-please one’.
"I believe that one of the best ways to get the best work out is to be honest and keep it as professional as it is.”
He had one thing in mind when he agreed to do the job, he tells Drum. He vowed to find consistency in each contestant.
“It has been amazing, I have learnt how things work on that level and the opportunity to help others to start their careers while seeking talent – I enjoyed it."
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The rapper was judging the competition alongside Somizi Mhlongo and Thembi Seete. He says this for him has been a great combination as he enjoyed working with them.
“There was never drama. We have known each other in different capacities for a while.
"I have known Somizi for many years, so it was not like I was meeting them for the first time when I became part of the judging panel.
“So we have a proper energy because we knew each other and, only when you start working with people, you realise their different professional face. And maybe working with them in the music environment, they are this way but once we get into a professional space, it becomes different.”
When asked what he will miss the most about the show as they await the next season, he says he cannot wait to unearth more talent.
“This for me was a brilliant introductory season to learn how everything works in a professional team.
"It was quite interesting for me, and I can’t wait for many more of those moments again on the next season.”
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After this season ended with a new winner, Thapelo Molomo, the rapper is going back to business.
“It never really stops because there’s nothing that really deterred me from getting my work done.
"You get quite busy at the beginning of the season, with auditions every day.
"But after that, everything becomes easy. And, finally, I am also looking forward to Sundays as well.
"It becomes sort of like a refill in your life when you are constantly on the show. So much so that you just miss going and working with those people on Mondays when it is over.
"So from now on, I’ll just wait for the next season and take it from there.”
