The pressure is on as Idols SA season 18’s top 10 is announced in a spectacular live show of emotive performances

After two weeks of stellar performances from the top 12 and over 7.5 million viewer votes garnered, the Idols SA season 18 top 10 has been decided. They are: CeeJay, Kabelo, Lerato, Mpilwenhle, Noxolo, Nozi, Tesmin-Robyn, Thapelo, Ty Loner, and Zee. Narrowly missing out were Hope and Nandi. 

Opening the live show was Mpilwenhle performing Amanda Black’s hit Kahle, to unanimous praise from the judges. Somizi Mhlongo said: “You are living your name: impilo yinhle. You deserve to be where you are.” 

JR Bogopa added: “Clearly, South Africa did not make a mistake. You were born for that stage.”  

Next to be announced was Thapelo, who sang Celine Dion’s classic All By Myself. The judges were happy with his performance, with Thembi Seete saying: “I know why Mzansi is falling in love with you – it’s because you are yourself. The approach you took to the song was perfect for you.” 

Tesmin-Robyn sang Moneoa’s More Than You, getting a lukewarm response from the judges. Somizi called the performance “safe”, with JR saying: “You were a bit timid, there was nothing that was ‘wow’ for me.” 

Zee performed Jik’izinto by Zonke, receiving tough feedback, with Somizi saying she took the youthfulness out of the song. Thembi said: “The reason we are so hard on you is because we know what you are capable of.” 

JR gave Zee advice: “The right songs need to land in your lap. This voice is designed to be unique. Find that lane.” 

Performing Anthony Hamilton’s Her Heart was Kabelo, with a mixed response from the judges. “You need to work on those nerves because they are stopping a good thing from happening. This week was not great,” said Thembi.

JR agreed: “This is not a high school talent show. You need to give us a little bit more.” But Somizi loved the performance: “You did what needed to be done for that song.”

Next was Lerato, who sang Tank’s I Can’t Make You Love Me. JR said: “You need to learn to listen to yourself a bit more. There wasn’t a lot of control in your voice.” 

Somizi echoed this: “You were scared to go to that place, vocally. You need to anticipate the high notes and the low notes.”

Ty Loner performed Idols SA season 6 runner-up Lloyd Cele’s Thando, to a mostly positive response from the judges. 

Somizi said: “If I said your performance was not nice, I would be doing witchcraft. You chose a song that was perfect for your voice and your style.” Thembi praised Ty for his versatility, while JR wasn’t moved. 

Taking on Jazmine Sullivan’s Masterpiece (Mona Lisa) was Noxolo, a performance which earned her a standing ovation from JR and Somizi. “You are what we call the underdog. Most of us didn’t see this diva coming. Uyasingena!” said Thembi. 

“Your vocal range is quite unmatched. You showed us depth,” said JR, while Somizi called it “the performance of the night”. 

Nozi sang Jennifer Hudson’s Giving Myself, reducing Thembi to tears: “Stay vulnerable because it translates to your work,” she said. While Somizi got on stage to give Nozi a “whoo-shem!”, an ecstatic JR said: “We might as well shut down the show because Idolsis done.”

Ending the show was CeeJay, who sang John Legend’s Tonight. Somizi called the performance “safe”, saying: “From next week, it’s survival of the fittest. Walala wasala.” Thembi called it a “decent performance, but not great”, while JR said CeeJay had reached his ceiling. 

Who will make the cut for next week? Only viewers’ votes can determine that. Idols SAseason 18 is getting hotter and hotter! Tune in again next week! 

Tickets to be in the audience for the Idols SA live shows are now on sale on

Computicket (https://tickets.computicket.com) at R20 per ticket and R40 for a golden ticket. Performances will take place at Tshwane’s Heartfelt Arena.

Idols SA is on Mzansi Magic, Sundays at 17h00. For more information visit website: http://www.idolssa.tv. 

You can also join the Idols SA conversation via social media on 

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