I’m not a sore loser, says Idols SA runner-up Mthokozisi

Idols SA runner-up Mthokozisi Ndaba has set the record straight on his no-show after the finale.

After losing the Idols SA title to 17-year-old Paxton Fielies on Sunday night, Mthokozisi stormed off stage and failed to attend a post-show interview. He is also reportedly getting help to deal with the emotions of losing.

The 25-year-old shared a video on Instagram in which he said he is “happy for Paxton”, and thanked everyone who voted for him.

Mthokozisi released a statement on Tuesday, explaining his absence at the press conference and dismissing claims that he was a sore loser, as he did not congratulate Paxton.

Read the statement below:

I would firstly like to take this opportunity and apologize to all media houses for my absence at the press conference after the announcement of the Idols winner of 2017. This was unplanned and unforeseen as I had prepared myself for the results going either way. It was a moment of weakness since I had wanted and needed this so badly not just for me but for my family.

I had planned to dedicate the win to my late parents and my late son, and at that moment I felt like I had let them down. I guess I let being human get the better of me.

I would also like to take this moment and dismiss the claims that I didn’t congratulate the winner of Idols 2017 Miss Paxton Fieles. This is absolutely false and it is in not in my nature to not wish another person well.

The other contestants from the top ten came to wish her well and as required, I had to move from the stage and allow her to celebrate her moment of glory. This was in no way a sign of being a sore loser.

I sent out a video congratulating Paxton on her win. Paxton is a deserving winner and I know how much effort and work she had put in every week to perfecting her craft. It was a great honour for me to share the stage with her and all the finalists.

To all the people in South Africa and across the world who believed in me and voted for me, words will never be enough to express how grateful I am so I will just put it in a song. Thank you for downloading Masithandane and making it number one on iTunes. And to the radio stations that are playing it, I am beyond thankful.

My entire focus now is on producing great music that people can listen to, and they can love and appreciate. I will not limit myself to anything; as a creative I am using this time to explore the music and entertainment industry, and all the possibilities that are out there for me.

The best decision I ever made was auditioning for Idols, it has truly changed my life for the better. Once again, I thank you for all your love and support. God bless you all.

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