Idols South Africa VII was the seventh season of South African reality interactive talent show based on the British talent show Pop Idol. It premiered on 5 June 2011. The judges returned with the addition of Unathi Msengana in the place of Mara Louw and were supported by a guest judge in every casting city. After the auditions, call backs were held in Sun City for the golden ticket holders. After the theater, group and special guest The Parlotones rounds the final number of contestants were brought down to 16. Regional auditions Auditions began February 2011, and were held in the following cities: Wooden Mic Every season the worst auditions voted for by the viewers to be part of their own Top 10 for the Wooden Mic trophy. Wooden Mic Top 10 Top 16 After the Parlotones performance the judges let 14 contestants know that they were through to the Top 15. With the last two contestants Josslynn Hlenti from Durban and Kerry Sanssoucie from Johannesburg left the judges let the public vote for who they wanted to see in the Top 15. The following week the results were revealed and Kerry was chosen to take up the last place in the Top 15. Top 15 The Top 15 contestants performed a song of their own choice. The show air on 24 July 2011 and viewers had the week to vote for their Top 10. Finals Finalists (ages stated at time of contest) Top 10 – Radio Chart Toppers The Top 10 performance was recorded live on Friday 5 August 2011 at the Mosaïek Teatro in Fairlands, Johannesburg and aired on Sunday 7 August 2011. The results show was aired live on Tuesday 9 August 2011. With guest acts from Idols season 6's third place Sindi Nene and The Black Hotels. Guest Judge: Ziyon (Liqiudeep) Top 9 – Homegrew The Top 9 performance was recorded live on Friday 12 August 2011 at the Mosaïek Teatro in Fairlands, Johannesburg and aired on Sunday 14 August 2011. The results show was aired live on Tuesday 16 August 2011. Guest Judge Cofield Mundi performed during the results show and sang a song she specially composed for Idols. Guest Judge: Cofield Mundi Top 8 – R’n’B in All Its Diversity The Top 8 were mentored in the finer points of R’n’B by South African legend Loyiso Bala, who performed with them as a special