Unathi embodies everything that her name means: “She is with us”. She’s taken us on her journey from show to show, stage to stage, and from win to win. It’s no secret as to why she was selected to be an Idols judge: because she has musical and entertainment accolades that prove her credentials.

Not a stranger to the recording studio and stage herself, she’s released five studio albums, two visual albums and has shared stages with John Legend, Yossou N’Dour, Chaka Khan and D’Banj. All her feats have been awarded by several award shows so her trophy cabinet is looking pretty snug! Unathi has earned two nominations at the SAMAs; a Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards nomination for Best South African Radio Host; several Metro FM nominations; and accolades including a Metro FM award alongside Zola for Best Song (‘Sana Lwami’) in 2003; a Metro FM Best Female award in 2008; and recent nomination in the same category.

And if you thought her voice couldn’t have more range, she went onto voice a character on Disney’s Doc Mc Stuffins – which probably earned her some brownie points from her kids and her beloved younger fans.

Since joining us in 2011, she has managed to engage us with laughter and tears, as well as sincere admiration for truly emotionally-driven performances. She let her presence be known as soon as she sat down on that judges chair and that is her rightful seat at the table.