IS THE axe about to fall on the Idols judging panel? All will be revealed tomorrow when the team is announced at the first auditions at Pretoria's State Theatre.

The popular singing talent search show, now in its 11th season, has had the same panel for more than four years.

M-Net and Mzansi Magic have confirmed that there will be a new judge this year. He or she is described as "a cool mover and shaker" in the South African music industry.

"To ensure that Idols SA stays fresh and exciting for our viewers, we re-look at all elements of the show before each season commences and, even though the three judges have been excellent to date, we believe it's time to refresh the judging panel a little," said Lani Lombard, head of communications at M-Net.

Randall Abrahams, Universal Music MD, the record label that signs the Idols winner, has been on the panel from the first season. Gareth Cliff joined in the second season, replacing publicist Marcus Brewster.

Musician and Metro FM DJ Unathi Msengana took over the reins from Mara Louw in 2011. "We trust that viewers will love the new judge," Lombard said.

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