Siyakha Tshayela has been withdrawn from the 2016 season of Idols South Africa with immediate effect as a result of a dispute between herself and an independent recording company‚ M-Net announced on Thursday.

It said participants were required to sign an exclusive recording deal with the Idols-appointed recording label when they entered the series.

“On the 1st of August‚ Ms Tshayela informed us that she had entered into discussions with an independent recording company before entering Idols‚ but she maintained there was no contract in place. The recording company insists there is‚” M-Net said in a statement.

It added that discussions had been held with all the affected parties since then‚ but there was still no resolution.

“Due to conditions stipulated by the Idols format rights holder‚ we are unable to continue with a contestant that is currently involved in a legal dispute of this nature. Ms Tshayela is therefore not able to continue as a contestant.

“Mzansi Magic and Idols producers wish her all the best with her music career‚” M-Net said.