The Gents had a tough act to follow after the ladies last week, but were up to the task
The second live show of Idols SA season 19 saw the men of the top 12 throw their hats in the ring for a place in the final-ever top 10. Just like their female counterparts did last week, the guys collaborated with former Idols SA winners and finalists for stunning duets.
Five guys and five girls will make up the top 10 being announced next week, chosen entirely by viewers’ votes.
First to take the Mosaïek Teatro stage was Thando, who teamed up with season 11 winner Karabo to sing his track Khakhati. His solo showing was Kaylow’s Noma.
JR Bogopa and Somizi Mhlongo commented that it was a “good way to start the show”, with the latter saying: “You are one of the best vocalists in this competition.”
Next up was Faith, whose duet with season 14 winner Yanga was Hillsong’s So Will I. His solo song was Bhudaza’s Tjontjobina, earning praise from all judges.
Thembi declared: “Take me to church right now! You could sing on the other side of the room, and I’ll know it’s you. You have your own unique voice.”
Marking the halfway point of the show was Nkosi. He teamed up with season 9 winner Musa for his track Wozala, before going it alone on Nathi’s Imimoya.
JR said: “I can’t fault this performance, both songs were clinically executed.” Somizi agreed, declaring: “Even if you don’t win, I will invest my last cent to record you.”
Next was Envic, who collaborated with season 13 winner Paxton on her track Battleground. He went solo on James Brown’s A Man’s World, earning a standing ovation from the audience and judges.
“You are showbusiness!” declared Somizi, before Thembi said: “I’m going to have a heart attack! I love how comfortable you are about everything. You are at home, and it shows.”
Next was Sipho, who sang with season 15’s Lloyiso on his hit Seasons. His solo song was Don’t Judge Me by Chris Brown.
The judges advised Sipho to embrace his “uniqueness”, with JR being impressed by both performances: “I do believe you’ve got what it takes, I thoroughly enjoyed myself.”
Wrapping up the show was Thabo, who collaborated with season 11’s Mmatema on her track My Time Is Now. For his solo track, he took on Stevie Wonder’s Signed, Sealed, Delivered, which had the judges and audience on their feet.
Somizi summed it up by saying: “Signed, sealed, delivered, it’s yours. You deserve a ‘whoo-shem!’”
The winner of Idols SA season 19 will walk away with a record deal from JR’s Feel Good Music, a brand-new Toyota Vitz courtesy of Toyota, and fashion vouchers and their entire Idols SA wardrobe courtesy of Truworths. One lucky viewer will also win a Toyota Vitz.
The judges have had their say, but it’s up to viewers to decide who will earn a coveted spot in the top 10 being announced next week. In the wise advice of Mmatema to contestants: “You have to do your best and let the people voting do the rest.”
Idols SA airs every Saturday at 18:00 on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161), thereafter on Mzansi Wethu at 19:30. Catch up on your favourite performances on DStv Stream. Visit our website and find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. Join the conversation using #IdolsSA. Tickets for the live show taking place at Joburg’s Mozaiek Teatro are available for R40 through Computicket.