Season 7 of SA’s Got Talent kicked off in the Mother City on Saturday and it was certainly not a drag.
The first round of auditions for the e.tv reality show took place at the Baxter Theatre, and drag diva Manila von Teez had the crowd going wild when she performed on stage.
The 26-year-old from Eerste River is in it to win and says: “South Africa is ready! It’s time drag goes mainstream and people see the true art of it.”
You’ll have to wait and see if Manila made it through to the next round, but she already has groot planne for the R250 000 prize money.
“I can buy lots of wigs and shoes,” she jokes.
There are some changes on the show - Tol Ass Mo is the new SAGT host, and actor Jamie Bartlett, better known as David Genaro from Rhythm City, replaces Lalla Hirayama as a judge.
Jamie is very excited to see the talent and help find the next SAGT winner with judges Shado Twala and DJ Fresh .
“Our talent and the cultures of our people reflect that unique geography and place that is us,” he says.
Jamie, who always plays the baddie on TV, says mense will finally get to see the real him.
“Remember, I’ve always been in character, now it’s breaking down that fourth wall and seeing me almost for the first time,” he says.
The talent this weekend ranged from marimba bands and hip hop artists to piano players and singers.
Jamie is turning out to be a ruthless judge with a soft side.
He buzzed one woman during her Mariah Carey performance, but then added: “You’re an attractive woman.”
To find out who made the cut, catch SAGT, starting on Sunday, September 4, at 6.05pm on e.tv.