With almost nine million votes cast in the last week, the eleventh season of Idols South Africa is officially the biggest season since its inception in June 2002.

Therefore being in the top four simply mean one's musical path is clearly paved and that's exactly how Rhema Varrie feels.

With plans of being an 'international superstar', Varrie's successful run in the competition makes the dream possible.

"I love music, it's a passion of mine, it's something I wanna do for a living, something I  want to do for the rest of my life," he said.

Rhema Varrie. Picture Credit: Supplied 

At the age of 21 years-old, one usually focuses on enjoying life and partying among other things but that is not the path taken by this Idols hopeful.

Before entering Idols, Varrie was the sole breadwinner at his home, a financial advisor taking care of his immediate and extended family.

"I'm the only one that works at home so basically the only one that gets an income, a stable income so to speak. So the responsibility is on me to make sure there's money every month and bills get paid," he said.

The reserved young man does not view the fact that his family depends on him as a burden.

"I wouldn't say it's a lot of responsibility, it's something I love doing and I want to do it because my father has done everything in his power to ensure I get what I need to get. So this is my way of just saying thank you, this is how I am paying back to him and appreciating what he's done.

Being away from home for almost three months means the Varrie family has had to make alternative plans to ensure there's bread on the table.

Rhema is however focusing on the singing competition as well as planning his life after the show.

"I want to be a household brand in our own country. Youngsters must be able to look up to me and say 'I wanna be that guy'. I wanna be a good role model. But I also want to be international, I want to be an international star, I wanna sing with guys like Jonathan Butler, Kirk Whalum and them," he said.