This past Sunday’s episode of Idols SA brought a series of double performances from each of the Top 6 contestants, with them drawing one song from “Oskido’s Playlist” and another from “Max Martin’s Songbook”. The format provided audiences with an eclectic variety of songs – the first half undeniably South African, featuring the likes of Zonke, Sun-El Musician, etc., while the latter part of the show drew from a very cosmopolitan mix of global chart toppers.
The episode was notable for the response on social media, so we thought we’d take a minute to run through a very small selection, here. Berry opened both sections of the show, teeing off with a rendition of Amanda Black’s “Power” and following that up with Katy Perry’s “Dark Horse”, the former bringing Unathi to tears and earning a respectable pat on the back from Oskido in his role as guest judge. Social media also had good things to say about her efforts:
There was also this rather strange Twitter offering:
Well okay, then.
Following Berry was Kevin, who had a stunning performance the previous week when he covered Black Coffee and Nakhane Touré’s “We Dance Again”. This week, he wrapped his vocal abilities around Sun-El Musician’s “Ubomi Abumanga” (originally featuring the vocal stylings of Msaki) and a down-tempo cover of Bon Jovi’s “It’s My Life”. This diverse selection prompted a few musings on the contestant’s ability to surprise:
Nqobie’s performance of the Zonke classic, “Feelings” led to Oskido reading out a text he received from the singer, saying that no matter what happens, Zonke would like to write a song especially for Nqobie. Obviously, this was noticed on social media:
Her second performance of Pink’s “Please Don’t Leave” also garnered its fair share of attention:
S’22Kile’s performance of Rethabile Khumalo and Master KG’s “Ntyilo Ntyilo” drew less than stellar reviews from Unathi, but the voting audience (whose opinion matters more, anyway) thought different:
In the second half of the show, S’22Kile delivered a rendition of “Send My Love (To Your New Lover)”. Since this song is by Adele, it’s always going to be a challenge, as the English singer delivers the original in her trademark MASSIVE voice. Nevertheless, S’22Kile did not fail to impress:
Next, it was Karabo’s turn off the blocks, and she dove right in with “Ngeke Balunge” by stalwart South African duo, Mafikizolo, and followed that up with another track by Pink, “Perfect”, and the Idols SA audience was pleased:
Wrapping up each of the evening’s two halves was Daylin Sass, who started with “Something Inside So Strong” – the track Lira performed for Madiba on his 92nd birthday. He followed that up with an offering from former One Directioner, Zayn – “Pillowtalk”:
There were also the usual mentions of the show’s regulars – sis Unathi, Randal and Proverb… the Idols SA audience seems a bit thirsty:
There was also plenty of praise for the evening’s guest judge, Oskido, whose label – Kalawa Jazmee – is set to sign the winner of this season’s competition:
He also received a shoutout from one of South Africa’s enduring R&B singers, Donald – and was kind enough to shout right back:
Of course, Idols SA and its fans had to bid farewell to one of the Top 7, Sia Mzizi. We’re sad to see him go, although we’re sure it won’t be long before we hear from him, again:
Commenting on the show in general, the fans took to social media to voice their appreciation for the quality of the performances from all the contestants:
It’s gratifying to know that the show’s fans are this engaged with the Idols SA contestants, testament to the depth of talent this country has to offer. We can’t wait to hear what they have for us next week!
Season 17 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. Catch up on Idols on DStv