Last week, we saw on #SAIdols15 Top 17 contenders whittled down to 10 would-be Idols. The stage has now officially been set for a really tight competition, starting this week, under the theme Inspirational hits – those songs that make you want to stand up and take a stand.
It also came at a fitting time for the Idols family, which is mourning the death of season 12 runner-up Thami Shobede, who died last week. His untimely death has robbed the country of a talent who still had so much to offer to the music industry. But, as host and executive producer Proverb said, we will all continue to be inspired by his music. May His Talented Soul Rest In Peace
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| #IdolsSA15 Top 10 |
This weeks theme came at a very delicate time in South Africa, following the recent xenophobic attacks in Mzansi and outpouring of anger for high rate of gender-based violence #WeStandWithWomen
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| Dr Tumi opened the show with a stella Performance joined by the Top 10 |
Thami's death gave this week’s show a sense of mortality, with the judges’ overall message to the contestants being that they should make the most of their singing talent. After tonight’s performance, two clear facts have emerged: this year’s talent is particularly exceptional, and it will be exceptionally difficult to pick a winner.
The evening's first contestant, Dinky Kunene, who sang Jordin Spark’s One Wing, was praised for a calculated performance that set a high standard for the evening. Somizi Mhlongo said she was proof that dynamite does come in “small dinkies”.
Viggy Qwabe was praised for her performance of Miss Pru’s Phumelela, but Mhlongo advised her to add dimension and variety to her performance.
Luyolo Yiba’s rendition of Adele’s Fire to the Rain was well-received by the judges despite the odd off-pitch moment. Randall Abrahams praised him for being able to make the song his own.
Come-back kid Nqobile Gumede drove Unathi Nkayi to tears as she encouraged her to remember she deserved to be on the stage and should embrace her talent. Her performance on Mary Mary’s Can’t Give Up Now was a reminder that she had not given up on her dream.
Sneziey Msomi once again impressed the judges, with a Tshwane Gospel Choir song, Heal my Soul. Nkayi said the performance was phenomenal and Randal Abrahams praised her for her restraint. He went on to give her a subtle “Whoo Shem”. Somizi said she had given an amazing performance and it was an amazing ministry.
Virginia Qwabe’s performance of Benjamin Dube’s Yebo Linamandla was called special by Abrahams, while Mhlongo called her the full package. This Guurl is power.
Nolo Seodisha brought back some fun and dancing to a very emotionally charged evening as he sang Joyous Celebration’s Modimo Ke Lerato. The judges, of course, were excited by his performance, with Somgaga saying he brought the variety he was looking for, and Randal saying he was certain he would still be on the stage in two weeks’ time.
Innocentia Sibi got kudos from Unathi for attempting Beyoncé’s complex Ave Maria. Somizi loved the high notes, but Randal felt she needed to be more commanding.
Mangaliso Gumbi lived up to her name with Benjamin Dube’s Ngangingazi. Unathi said she was a marvel (a loose translation of the name Mangaliso), while Simizi called her the underdog who could upset the competition.
The performance of the evening was the last performance of the evening. Micayla Oelofse sang Andra Day’s Rise, which was dedicated to her mother who died recently. Somizi said hers was the performance of the night, while Unathi was moved to tears. She said Oelofse’s parents would be proud of her performance.
It is now up to the fans to decide who gets to return next week as part of the Top 9. Voting Lines closes every Tuesday following the Sunday's Live show at 10 P.M
Idols SA season 15 is on Mzansi Magic, DStv Channel 161 on Sundays at 17h00.
For more information visit Idols website: http://www.idolssa.tv
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