Age: 27

Location: Johannesburg

It’s been more than a decade since Lerato first entered Idols SA, and after a period of losing confidence in her capabilities as a singer, she is back with a bang.

“This year, I had the courage and bravery to enter again,” she says. She has found her second time on Idols SA to be a fun process that she’s grateful for.

A self-described ambivert, she says she comes out of her shell when she’s singing. Her musical journey began at a young age, singing at church and playing in the church band. Her mother has been her greatest supporter, and she hopes to make her proud.

Her musical heroes are women who are powerhouses: Beyoncé, Jazmine Sullivan, Alicia Keys and Yebba. When asked what we can expect from her on stage, she says: “A ball of energy and a ball of excitement.”

What does she hope to achieve with Idols SA? “I want to inspire people to know that you shouldn’t let your dreams die. Don’t give up on your dreams. Even if it takes forever, it can actually happen for you one day.”

She says she thinks she entered in 2010