Season 15 has come with some pretty interesting twists. For the first time in Idols history – we have a Top 17 instead of Top 16 and in two weeks, SEVEN contestants will be eliminated from the show. So, Group One of the Top 17 really needed to bring their A-game to ensure their spot in the Top 10.
Tonight’s theme was “Trending”, so the contestants had to sing songs that have set social media on fire over the past few years.
From Mpumalanga-born, Sizwe Hlatshwayo to Capetonian, Xola Toto, the contestants wowed the judges who were not short on compliments. There were even two standing ovations from Somizi – one for KwaZulu-Natal’s Mmangaliso Gumbi and the other for twin Virginia Qwabe.
Mmangaliso travelled 550km to get to this point in the competition and tonight proved it was all worth it with her performance of Mlindo’s 'Egoli'. Randall Abrahams made up for all the times he said “no” by giving her three yesses and Unathi Nkayi was thrilled by her performance.
Virginia’s rendition of Kelly Khumalo’s Themba prompted Somizi to call her the perfect star. Unathi said she was an authentically South African performer who was not afraid to be authentic, while Randall commented she showed just what the guys were up against.
Other performances that got the crowds wild with cheering were Virginia’s twin, Viggy, whose performance of Zahara’s 'Mgodi' moved Unathi to tears. Nolo Seodisha, who sang 'Talk' by Khalid also got kudos from the Judges. While Randall said Nolo was probably the best of the male contestants, he wondered whether he really wanted to win enough.
But that is not to say the guys did not have their moments, with Sizwe, the first contestant of the night, generally impressing the Judges with 'Tigi' by Sands. Somizi did not think much of his dance moves, but he said his voice gave him goosebumps. Unathi thanked him for giving the song deeper meaning.
The evening ended on a high note, with Xola setting the stage on fire with Black Coffee’s hit, 'Come with Me' (You Set My World on Fire). All the Judges were unanimous in their compliments, saying she exuded confidence and sang like a seasoned performer.
Voting has started and the five contestants with the most votes automatically go through to the Top 10. Next week, four more contestants with the most votes will also secure their place in the Top 10, with one spot being reserved for a wildcard entry namely, a contestant from either week who got the next highest number of votes.
And with that, the much-anticipated live shows are well underway! Tickets are available for sale at Webtickets. Keen to spur your Idol on to victory? CLICK HERE to vote for your favourite talent.
Idols South Africa airs, Sundays at 17:00 on Mzansi Magic Ch161. You can also get an exclusive look at what doesn't make the Live Shows plus, updates on all the action right here on our site. Don't forget to join the conversation by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram