The Most Anticipated Episode Of Idols SA Season 19 Thus Far HadTop-notch Production and Entertainment Value

Idols SA top 7 give the best performances of their careers in a spectacular Showstopper

The final-ever Showstopper in Idols SA entertained its way into the history books as one of the most outstanding in the competition’s 19 seasons.

With flames, fireworks and sensational choreography coming to the Mosaïek Teatro stage, it was the perfect setting for the unveiling of the top 7. Making the cut, in no particular order, were: Envic, Faith, Niikiey, Nkosi, Princess, Thabo and Thando. It was unfortunately the end of the Idols SA journey for Sena.

In a special twist, Sena still performed her Showstopper number despite elimination, taking on Rihanna’s Rude Boy. 

Preceded by a dazzling guest appearance from Ntate Stunna and Nthabi (singing Stimela), the top 7 gave the most entertaining performances of their careers thus far, fighting for precious viewer votes to bring them one step closer to clinching the ultimate prize.

Kicking things off was Nkosi with Usher’s Good Kisser, to mixed reactions from judges. While Thembi Seete praised his singing, she said the performance lacked sparkle: “You can’t rely only on your voice, you have to give it your all so that as an audience we feel you, too.”

Next was Niikiey with Bongo Maffin’s The Way Kungakhona, getting a standing ovation from the audience and judges. Somizi Mhlongo said: “I’ve said it before that you’re multitalented, and today you proved it. This is how you do a Showstopper, and you deserve a ‘Whoo-shem!’”

 For his performance, Faith took on Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson’s Uptown Funk. He impressed the judges, with JR Bogopa saying: “This was not Bruno Mars-like at all. This was James Brown-like, Rick James-like, Faith-like. You can take me anywhere with you. You were brilliant, week after week you keep delivering.”

Taking us past the halfway mark was Thando, who performed Usher’s Caught Up, to a muted response from the judges. “Try to wear your song and performance more, and just be one. You’re thinking too much and you worry too much,” said Thembi.

Next up was Princess, with Lady Zamar’s Criminal. She received criticism from Thembi and JR, which saw Somizi coming to her defence: “You fought and you put in effort. I’m sure Thembi and JR didn’t eat breakfast, so it’s the hunger talking. Mntan’am, you did well.”

Envic took on Beyoncé’s Crazy in Love, mostly to praise from the judges. JR said: “Performing Beyoncé is a tall order. You brought a lot of energy but not a lot of vocals. Thank you for entertaining us but I would have liked to hear the Envic voice I know and love.”

Wrapping up the show was Thabo, who performed Michael Jackson’s The Way You Make Me Feel. He received a standing ovation from the audience and a ‘Whoo-shem!’ from Somizi, with a breathless Thembi saying: “You gave it all – performance, vocals, stage presence… everything. From the beginning of the song until the end of it, it was amazing.”

The Showstopper episode was best described by host ProVerb when he said: “Tonight is where stars are born, lasting memories are created and history is made.” So, who lived up to the hype and who fell slightly short? That’s up to the viewers to decide with their votes.

Next week will see contestants belt out two songs each – don’t miss it.

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 Mosaïek Teatro are available for R40 through Computicket.