Berenike ‘Berry’ Trytsman has been crowned the winner of Idols SA season 17 After an all female Finale. The winner of Idols SA season 17 was announced during a spectacular live finale on Sunday. Trytsman, affectionately known as Berry to adoring fans, has walked away with a R1m cash prize.
After weeks of gruelling competition and over 12 million votes cast, ‘Berry‘ was crowned the winner. Shortly after being crowned winner Berry said, she was ‘overwhelmed’, ‘grateful’ and ‘so happy’.
The 30-year-old mother cried tears of joy as host ProVerb announced she had won this year’s edition of the show, as she and runner-up Karabo embraced. Of course, along with the rest of the top 5, she also scores a recording deal with the iconic Kalawa Jazmee Records.
She also walks away with a slew of other prizes, namely: a Renault Kiger valued at over R269 000, R100 000 in Truworths fashion vouchers, a Bachelor of Business Administration bursary valued at over R260 000 from Regenesys Business School and R85 000 worth of musical equipment from Yamaha, as well as a Samsung Galaxy Fold 3 on a Vodacom Red 100GB Plan.
Throughout her time in the singing competition, Trytsman managed to capture the hearts of viewers with her soulful voice, but what stood out the most was last week when she wowed regular judge Unathi Nkayi and guest judge Msaki with her isiZulu single, Ungowami. They both commended her for treating the language with reverence and respect.
This was not Berry’s first time standing on the Idols SA stage – way back in season 6 in 2010, she had reached the top 30 before being eliminated from the show. This often prompted judge Unathi Nkayi to remark that she was an inspiration to those who doubted themselves.
Tonight’s announcement came after an evening of entertaining performances by some of SA’s most popular musicians, including Musa Keys, Sir Trill, Mafikizolo and Oskido, who shared the stage with Idols SA season 16 alumnus Ndoni and Meez. Mafikizolo performed Mamezala, while Oskido teamed up with Ndoni and Meez to perform Emakhaya.
Season 16 Idols SA winner Zama performed ‘Is’thunzi’, from her debut album, ‘In the Beginning’, while the rest of this season’s top 10 returned to the stage one more time for electrifying performances.
Karabo, who first auditioned for the competition as a shy 17-year-old back in season 12, may have not won the competition, but she certainly left a lasting impression. She also walks away with over R200 000 in prizes, namely: R50 000 in an Old Mutual Money Account, R50 000 cash from Vodacom, R50 000 in Truworths fashion vouchers and a Regenesys Business School bursary for a Higher Certificate in Business Management worth R87 000.
While Idols SA exits our screens for now, it will be back next year, having been renewed for another season that is set to keep viewers entertained with excellent performances by up-and-coming stars.
About Berry : Winner of Idols SA Season 17
Name : Berenike Trytsman (BERRY)
Date of Birth : 7 May 1990
Hometown : Cape Town
What artistic quality do you love most in yourself? I love cooking, baking and writing songs with my husband.
My favourite South African music icon is… (Tell us why) I admire quite a few – Karen Zoid, Tarryn Lamb and LIRA to name some.
The first thing I’m doing when lockdown is over is… Burning my masks!
If you could have an EPIC collab with any celeb living or late, who would it be and why? Wow, there a so many, but I’d have to say living – Kelly Clarkson and late – Elvis Presley
Which former Idols contestant inspires most? How come? I love Lloyd and Elvis Blue because they are still pursuing their singing after all these years.
Tell us two truths and a lie… “My father passed when I was 17”; “I have been divorced”; “I don’t like Jazz music”
