Jody Williams, one of the youngest winners of Idols South Africa, will sing the national anthem on behalf of the Springboks as they take on Portugal this weekend.
The upcoming appearance by the talented star- once complimented by Celine Dion herself – follows that of Ntokozo Mbambo, who sang the anthem in Durban, and KB Motsilanyane, who performed in Pretoria.
Surprisingly, Jody – who won the singing talent contest in 2007 – revealed she “quit” music after fame and fortune “ruined” her life.
Saturday’s match between South Africa and Portugal will take place at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.
JODY WILLIAMS: WHERE IS IDOLS SA SINGER NOW?
Like many other Idols SA winners, Jody Williams’s fame has faded into obscurity in recent years.
In fact, in 2019, Jody sensationally claimed that appearing on Idols “ruined” her life.
At the height of her success, Jody released a debut platinum album, was the opening act for Celine Dion and was one of the artists who released a track for the 2010 Youth Olympic Games.
Jody told her fans after the show, “I’m not going to fade. I’ll always be there making new music for you guys.”
Later, Jody admitted to blowing her money and experiencing conflict with her management, which included her father.
She told The Daily Voice: “The gigs were drying up, the money was getting little, you know how it goes when a new Idols winner comes along, people stop booking the old Idols.”
Jody Williams decided to quit music, sell her family home, and become an office receptionist.
She continued: “I am so happy with what I am doing. Music ruined me as a young adult and I was yearning for stability. I spoke to my family and told them I didn’t want to do music anymore. I now do it as a hobby, but I don’t want to sing for a living again.”
Jody – who rarely posts on social media – is now a mother and dedicates all her time to her family. In August, Jody will return to the stage in a Women’s Day event at the GrandWest in Cape Town.
SINGING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM FOR THE SPRINGBOKS
Meanwhile, SA Rugby has revealed that Jody Williams will perform the national anthem at this weekend’s Springboks match against Portugal in Bloemfontein.
Singing on behalf of Portugal is Micasa frontman J’Something, who was born in Europe.