We think it's safe to say that all the Live Show eliminations this season have been shockers and we can totally understand if all our Idols and their thousands of fans were having pulputations everytime the lights were dimmed. Juxtaposed against this unrelenting tension however, was the soothing sound of the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra who did a great deal to lift the atmosphere right through to the moment Thapelo was ultimately announced as the contestant bowing out of the competition.Β
First into our Top 8 was Botlhale and rather than go full throttle, he switched things up, serenading everyone watching with Lionel Richie's, 'Say You, Say Me'. The Judges generally loved what he did but Randall and Unathi encouraged him to kick things into high gear next week becuase the competition is stiff. He also gave his best actress award to Rami Chuene who was absolutely flattered by the gesture!
Tee was next to strut her way into the Top 8. She performed Michael Jackson's, 'Man In The Mirror' impressing with her low register. After struggling with a key change half way through her performance a sullen looking Tee was consoled by Unathi who told her to never "give up" or accept defeat. Somizi also reassured her that her fans would see past this honest mistake and support her regardless. By all accounts, both Judges were right on the money!
Christo hit the stage next and proved to be right at home performing with the orchestra. He sang a haunting arrangement of Stevie Wonder's, 'I Just Called To Say I Love You' hitting every note and executing every run, perfectly. It brought back memories of his Theatre Week, Solo performance with Randall calling his effort "flawless".
Another Idol looking to completely flip the script was Faith who did an orchestral version of Bob Marley's, 'No Woman, No Cry'. The arrangement wasn't to every Judge's taste with Unathi and Randall agreeing that it felt too unfamiliar but she got praise all round for the visceral emotion she channeled during the performance. Her fans were equally moved.
After an exhilarating, Michael Jackson tribute, Phindy decided to keep things intimate this week. She performed,Β 'Everything I Do' by Bryan Adams and Unathi called it her best performance of the season. Somizi noted that she was only now starting to show us what she's really capable off and that made her "dangerous' and a serious threat to the other contestants.
Paxton took on a classic performing Judy Garland's, 'Over The Rainbow'. It proved to be a great gamble because she nailed it and rehashed the fact that she's one of the most versatile performers of the season. The long, sustained notes also gave her an opportunity to show off her range and power. It's no wonder she got a standing ovation after she was done.
Mthokozisi and Lindo rounded off our Top 8 and with so much at stake, they both decided to stick to a winning fomula. The former kept things R&B performing 'I Believe I Can Fly' by R Kelly and he won high praise for his passion and tenacity. Randall in particular loved that he was cocky about his ability and always gave his all. Lindo also seems to have found his niche with soul music so he performed one of Luther Vandross' most iconic hits, 'Evergreen'. It was a fantastic way to close off the show and he seemed completely unshaken depsite the gruelling, two hour wait.
The vote lines are open till 10pm tonight (Tuesday) so go hard for whoever you feel deserves to be in our Top 7. You can let us know who that is and why after the jump but in case you need any further convincing, take a look at this.
Idols SA airs on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) every Sunday at 17:00. VOTE or register to VOTE for your favourtie Idols contestant here and don't forget to stay connected and up to date by following us on Facebook, Twitter and InstagramΒ
