HE WON the hearts of many South Africans with his talented and fine voice when he became the first black Idols winner in 2012.

Now singer Khaya Mthethwa is rising higher and is set to be the opening act for American music star Miguel's SA tour.

Los Angeles-born Miguel - real name Jontel Pimentel - is a recording artist, songwriter and producer, who was signed to Jive Records in 2007 and released his debut album, All I Want Is You, in November 2010.

Miguel's SA tour shows are expected to be held at the Standard Bank Arena in Johannesburg on March 1 and 2 and at the Grand West Casino and Entertainment World in Cape Town on March 3 .

"I have done opening acts for international gospel artists such as Israel Houghton and Kirk Franklin, but never in the R&B genre," an excited Mthethwa said this week."

He said he had been given 20 minutes to perform tracks from his For You debut album, which included hit songs like MoveMove and This Love, before six-time Grammy-winning Adorn star Miguel takes over.

Mthethwa said he had radio personality Tbo Touch to thank, after the Metro FM DJ managed to bring the American singer to South Africa and asked his listeners to vote for whom they would like to be the opening act Miguel's shows.

"I was on my way taking my CD to the radio station when Tbo Touch told me the great news" said Mthethwa.

Coincidentally, Mthethwa has been nominated for the Best Newcomer in the Metro FM Awards.