THE Idols judges have become synonymous with the competition and have a huge following.

The show's current judges - Randall Abrahams, Unathi Msengana and Gareth Cliff - have the most dynamic on screen chemistry since Msengana joined in 2011. She replaced veteran singer and actress Mara Louw.

JUDGING THE JUDGES

• Abrahams is feared or admired as the mean one. He's the longest serving, since Idols inception in SA, in February 2002. He also judged the World Idols television competition in 2003.
• Cliff has been on the show since 2003. Before his move to Comedy Central on DStv, he presented the breakfast show on 5FM. He's known for both his humour and irreverent remarks.
• Msengana's main job is as the co-host of The First Avenue , the breakfast show on Metro FM . She has plenty of sympathy for contestants, and easily cries when emotionally touched, just as she can cry from laughing out loud at funny moments.

PREVIOUS JUDGES

• Marcus Brewster only served in the inaugural season. He is an executive in public relations industry.
• Penny Lebyane, a radio personality, was also in for only one season in 2002. She's currently hosting Morning Rise on e.tv.
• Louw left Idols under a cloud in 2010 after publicly admitting to consuming alcohol and medication before filming the show.
• Dave Thompson, a SonyBMG executive served from 2002-2009.

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