Carl Fisher, head of the M-Net production firm Magicworks, said on Wednesday it would be wonderful if clients were willing to pay R25 000 an hour for an Idol, because it would show that an Idol was worth that much.

M-Net is investigating reports that surfaced last week that Heinz costs R25 000 an hour and the runners-up R15 000. This is far more than most established South African artists demand.

Fisher said in a market where demand and supply dictate prices, M-Net wanted to make sure that the Idols won't be too expensive or too cheap.

"Idols much reach their potential to earn money. Therefore it would be better to charge R20 000 if there is no demand for R25 000. But if they can get R25 000 it's wonderful!"

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Veteran singer Mynie Grove also pleaded for higher fees for local artists. Grove said in dollar or pound terms, even R25 000 wasn't much and international singers would laugh at it.

"The public is spoiled by the fees they pay. It is a sick standard for artists who sometimes have to work under the barest of conditions.

"It's amazing to be famous, but later the personal sacrifices take their toll", Grove said. The country's first Idol had the opportunity to change artists' fees.

Afrikaans rocker Valiant Swart said singers shouldn't price themselves out of the market, but they work hard and often under difficult circumstances.

"If agents ask too much, it raises entrance fees. Then you miss so many potential fans, like school children who can't pay R100 for a ticket.

(news24 article)