The Idols Story In Words And Numbers
8 May
So who got what in the end? Here are some facts and figures I’ve managed to dig out.
Jason Hartman and Sasha Lee Davids have been declared joint winners of the Idols television talent search competition.
Both winners will win a Sony BMG recording contract, both will receive a Citroen car and all other prizes will be equally “split”.
Patricia Scholtemeyer, M-Net CEO, said:
“When M-Net realised that not all the SMS votes cast before the cut-off time at 18.05 had been received and accounted for, we immediately began corrective action to fully understand the true situation… (The unprecedented number of votes for both Jason and Sasha Lee) is evidence of the immense public following that both out Idols garnered during the course of the competition.”
On the question of why Hartman was not named the outright winner, Scholtemeyer said:
“The question (as to why Jason hasn’t been awarded the sole title) does have some merit. But we – in conjunction with FremantleMedia who owns the Idols franchise – felt the volume of votes for both contestants showed that the public loved them both, so we decided to award it jointly to be fair.”
What Jason and Sasha had to say about it
Hartman:
“Incredible, amazing… And also, to be part of the most unusual Idols ever is the best part… It’s been quite a whirlwind and obviously my family and I were quite shocked when we found out (there may be a mistake with the votes)… To come second and then find out that I’ve actually won and I’ve won alongside Sasha Lee… it’s amazing. I’m all about sharing the love!”
Ever the gentleman, respect to him for saying before the fact that he would split his prize, making it a helluva lot easier for everyone, well maybe not Sasha Lee.
Davids:
“I feel fine, funny enough (laughs)… I think Jason said it all… It’s been like a tornado this past week… Obviously it’s not a nice thing contemplating that the title could be taken away from you… But to be honest, I had psyched myself to hear Jason’s name being called out on the night (of the finale), so I felt something was amiss… But the main aim for me in this competition was to get a recording contract and I’ve still got that, so I’m fine. We’ve both worked so hard… And Jason deserves is as much as anyone else.”
What do people actually MEAN when they say someone deserves something as much as anyone else? I mean Jason deserved this more than ME for example? That one always gets me.
Other quotes from the press conference
“This is competition is driven by the public’s vote. While we acknowledge that this was not the scenario that we had expected or wanted, we are delighted with the outcome as both Jason and Sasha Lee are true Idols…” – Scholtemeyer
“The issue arose out of the sheer number of votes that came through after the cut-off time – there was an unprecedented volume of votes on the final night. And it was the significant number of votes outstanding – we’re talking hundreds of thousands – that alerted us there was a problem and which ultimately shifted the vote in Jason’s favour. But there were uncounted votes for Sasha Lee as well.” – Mark Rayner, CEO of DStv Mobile
The numbers:
- Jason Hartman received 1,3 million
- Sasha Lee Davids received 1,1 million
- Over 600 000 extra legitimate delayed votes were tallied in the recount.
Well that’s that I guess. I suppose we can’t always rely on technology, and a little drama never hurt anyone (well maybe Sasha-Lee ain’t too thrilled) but at least we have TWO potential has beens to follow now. That said, the odds on favourite in my mind to be around in a few years time is… you guessed it, Jason.
Well i think jason is the real winner this time,he is a great singer and the songs and perf was the best.Sorry Sasha Lee u where great to.Enjoy
I think both Jason and Sash-Lee deserve to share the honor of being South Africa's Idol. Maybe this is the way forward for next year. The best male and best female go through to be the idols for the year. I think it will be even more exciting to see how they progress with their careers together and separately.
I am relieved that Jason has been recognised. I was a Jason supporter. I was very deflated after the result was announced. He deserved to be the winner. He has been a real sport. I admire him for the way he has handled himself.
Jason your are a real gentleman and I think M-net should bring you both back so you can also get all the glamour for the being the winner. You dont make mistakes like that and play with peoples feelings.
Jason you are such a lovely guy and such a gentleman your mother must be so proud of you and we thank you for sharing your talen with us. I dont think MNet should have made such a huge mistake. Mnet is accountable as well as all the cell providers and let us not forget forbes the accountants. This whole thing smells very fishy and makes us wonder how many other idol winners were manipulated and wrongly scored. Where has all the money gone from the sms's the whole thing smells bad. Mnet does not deserve to get another idols.
its a pity he didnt get his moment of glory!
Thanks for the comment!
I am still fuming over this. This is only the tip of the iceberg. Has no one queried why Jason got so much fewer telephone calls than Sasha and more sms. Because his line was not working, that is why everyone sent so many sms to vote for him. I think his line was cut way before the end of Idols. At least one hour before the end of the show, it was dead.
Why vote if there is going to be a next season of Idols. Just leave it to Mnet and there people in charged to pick 1,2..3 Idols. What a waiste of time and good money. I have been voting for Jason and Graham cause they actually can sing and Wow miss davids get the honours inspite of the ,200 00 more vote’s in favour of Jason. Its ridiculous even American Idols have only ONE winner. Give the man the oppurtunity to feel like the winning Idol. In any case I will defenitley not waste my time or money again. After 2 or 3 years we have a WORTHY WINNER AND NOW THIS HAPPENS HE HAVE TO SHARE ALTOUGH HE IS ACTUALLY THE ONLY WINNER BY FAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JASON U R DA STAR, I WS REALY SHOCKED WHEN HEARING SASHA BEING AWARDED,BUT ANIWAY 2 U 2 SASHA GIRRL U HOT AM=ND I LOVE UR SINGING, U DESERVE TO WIN-U SING BETE THAN JODY, KIP IT UP GIRL.
I am Zambian and i watched South African Idol from the day it started. If we look at how the participants performed especially the top 2 i think Jason was the most consistent as he did his best with passion and one could see it in his face that he really worked hard and deserved to win. JASON was the real winner of S.A Idols 2009 followed by Sasha. I believe the mess came to light because technologists who were receiving votes predicted who the real winner was and i am happy that this came to light. Best wishes all the top ten Guys you rocked.
Its good Sasha realizes she didnt actually win Jason did. He actually deserved much more than you did. Count it a blessing girls otherwise it aint you. Jason good luck and well done for being a gentleman.
I think that everyone is just being too nice about this whole thing.
The fact of the matter is that there can only be 1 Idol!
I feel that Sasha Lee should have stepped down gracefully and let Jason be crowned the Winner of Idols 2009, a title that he so rightfully deserves.
Only in Africa!!
dis nonsen Jason is die Idol en klaar kry nou end en prys hom n bietjie
sit hom op tv dat almal sy pryse en glory ook kan sien asb ons het geld op hom gesit om te
stem en dis klaar.
JASON JY IS DIE BESTE EN EK SAL 1000000000000000000 CD VAN JOU GAAN KOOP AS DIT UITKOM
JANITA
Jason was undoubtedly the winner of Idols 2009. He should get all the glory. Sasha Lee is an excellent female vocalist, but I thought that she deserved second place. I felt so disappointed when Jason wasn’t announced as the winner. I would love to see him live. Well done Jason! I hope that you become an International Star.