Idols South Africa: Season 5 kicked off this Sunday with a spring in its step. I have always been extremely critical of the South African Idols as it’s way too hard not to compare the show to its American counter part. Although the show has enjoyed success over the years it hasn’t produced a star that not only blows viewers away but stays in the lime light. This year may be different.

Although we’re only in its first week I have to say the editing is on a whole new level. No more irritatingly long bits that are totally unnecessary the show flies by with a professional edge that has been lacking in previous seasons. The judges are all back and although Randal Abrahams still seems intent on using lame descriptions to try to be funny, the editors seem to have cut it down to a minimum. Gareth Cliff and Mara Louw continue to be the judging entertainment, and Dave Thomson says very little.

The best part of the new season has to have happened in the opening in Cape Town. Former annoyance with the title of presenter, Colin Moss, was sent off in the best possible way. He was hit by a mini buss. What makes for one of the greatest moments of South African television Moss was killed off and replaced with a better, far less irritating, Liezel van der Westhuizen.

The talent is sharp and the funnies keep coming. Cell phone’s are instruments and singing with an iPod in your ears seems to be O.K. in one auditioner’s head. Of all the seasons of South African Idols this is one I will definitely be watching. If MNET keeps this up I will be extremely impressed.