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As the search continues for the 16th Idols SA winner, the competition is getting tougher and the contestants continue to impress with their exceptional talent.
However, there can only be one winner, and as impressive as Be was last week, she became the second contestant in the top 10 to say goodbye to that dream, having failed to secure enough votes to progress to the top eight. But for the remaining contestants, it was yet another week to bring on their A-game.
The Top 8 paid homage to those who are still new to the music industry but are owning their space. Performing under the theme “New kids on the block”, the Idols SA hopefuls had the judges full of praise, proving that they too will soon be claiming their space in the music industry.
Performing Zandie Khumalo’s ‘Ngiya'Khuthanda’, Bongi started the show on a high note, with the judges praising her warmly for her performance. Randall Abrahams said sticking with the ballads was working for her, but highlighted her song choice was not all there was to her performances. “Your vocals improve week after week,” he said. Unathi Nkayi too had nothing but positive words for Bongi, saying she had pierced everyone’s soul with her mother tongue. Somizi Mhlongo-Motaung said it was a beautiful way to start the show.
Next up was Mr Music, who performed DJ Maphorisa and Sjava’s ‘Ngempela’. Unathi said his performance was contagious. “Not the most perfect vocals, but a good performance,” she said. Somizi agreed with her, but urged him to start trying different performances without losing his core style and sound. “It was a good performance, but it’s time to change gear,” he said. Randall said Mr Music was developing slowly over the weeks, which he said, indicated he would certainly be around to perform one more song.
Zama’s rendition of Thabsie’s ‘Finally’ was met with just as much praise as her performance last week, with the judges commending her versatility. “This was beautiful,” Somizi said, adding: “We are enjoying you.” Randall commended for her lower ranges, and Unathi congratulated her for continuously pushing herself.
Brandon was next with Musa’s ‘Angsakwazi’. Randall said although he had enjoyed the performance – and he had performed as well as he could have – he had not made the best song choice. Unathi disagreed, however, saying Brandon had chosen well and had done an incredible job. “I think this is your best performance so far,” she said. Somizi said he had enjoyed his vocal performance but encouraged him to connect with his audience.
Once again, Jooma had the judges heaping him with praise not only for the performance but his stage presence. “What a perfect song for you,” gushed Unathi about his song choice, Masego’s ‘Lady Lady’, calling his performance flawless. Somizi was equally impressed, calling him a magician, while Randall commended him for showing different dimensions without losing his core style.
ZanoThando performed ‘NaLingi’ by Manu World Star. Somizi said it was a sexy performance even though he felt his voice needed some warming up. Randall was impressed that he had heeded last week’s advice, shrugging off last week’s restraint and going for it. Unathi added that it was his best performance yet because he had given his all.
During the Top 9 performance, Unathi said being emotive was Ntokozo’s superpower, and this week the judges felt she had certainly lived up to that power as she sang ‘Focus’ by H.E.R. Randall said she had certainly stepped up, while Unathi said she had given her goosebumps.
Ndoni closed off the night's performances with ‘Inyanga’ by CiCi. Unathi commended her for her song choice, adding that she was a charming performer. Somizi was equally impressed, calling her rendition beautiful. Randall noted that she had improved over the weeks but needed to perform with the conviction that she deserved to be on that stage.
“It was another exceptional week of exceptional performances,” said Nomsa Philiso, director of Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net. “I think the judges are right to say the viewers will not have it easy when it comes to voting because this year is brimming with talent. Still, the voters are the only ones who will decide who becomes the next SA Idol, I urge them to continue voting,” she said.
Voting lines are now open, so it’s time for the viewers to make sure that their favourite contestant makes it into the Top 7 and the showstopper episode next week!
Vote HERE!
Season 16 of Idols SA broadcasts on Sundays at 17:00 on Mzansi Magic Channel 161. Get exclusive updates and a behind the scenes look at all the action right here on our site. Don't forget to join the conversation by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #IdolsSA.