The elusive final season of Idols hit the Live Shows button on Saturday (19 August), tucked away in its ridiculous new timeslot of Saturdays at 18h00 on Mzansi Magic, and 19h30 on Mzansi Wethu.
As observed by TVSA members in the latest TAMS ratings
here, it's nowhere to be seen in DStv's Top 30 after its premiere on 8 July.
No matter how low its ratings have dropped over the past few years, it's never not made the Top 30 since it's been on Mzansi Magic.
The timeslot change has resulted in Somizi on S3 beating Somizi on Mzansi Magic and Mzansi Wethu combined, despite the fact that he used to be a DStv brand ambassador.
Will the live shows change this?
They're happening at the Mosaïek Teatro in Joziburg and began with a sing-off by the Top 6 girls.
Here's a recap of what they performed and the judges' responses from the show:
With their fate now entirely in viewers’ hands, the performers sang their hearts out for precious votes by teaming up with former Idols SA winners and finalists, before going at it alone.
Kicking things off was
Lungile, who collaborated with Season 14 winner Yanga on Not Yet Uhuru by Letta Mbulu. Her solo performance was a rendition of Lloyiso and Langa Mavuso’s Inhliziyo.
Thembi Seete called Lungile’s performance “a powerful way to start the show”, while Somizi Mhlongo said: “You were quite nervous in your first song, but your second one redeemed you to the core. Now I am going to remember you.”
Next up was
Niikiey, who teamed up with Season 11’s Mmatema to sing Mmatema’s Make a Way, before taking on Zonke’s Inhliziyo solo. All judges were unanimous in praise for the 18-year-old.
JR Bogopa said both performances were “outstanding”, continuing: “Your second performance showed variation. Your range is incredible.”
About Niikiey’s solo showing, Thembi said: “You can play around with that voice. Do not be scared - relax and enjoy yourself.”
The third contestant to take the stage was
Neve, who partnered with Season 13 winner Paxton for Judy Garland’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow, while her solo song was Madison Ryann Ward’s Mirror.
Neve received a mixed bag of comments from the judges, with Somizi saying: “You need to be honest with yourself – if the key feels uncomfortable, say so. Your lower range is not that strong. You tend to be swallowed up when you go low.”
Thembi, on the other hand, praised Neve: “What stands out is your voice control. You have a soothing, powerful voice.”
Next was
Lungelo, who collaborated with Season 11 winner Karabo to sing his new single, Safe. Her solo showing was Golden by Jill Scott, which left Somizi breathless.
He said: “I did not listen to you, I did not judge you – I was part of your first live concert. What you did there was start the competition. You deserve a ‘Whoo-shem!’”
Sena then took to the stage with Season 15’s Lloyiso to sing his track Lonely Without You, before she went it alone on Jessica LM’s Juba Lami.
All judges were impressed, with Somizi saying: “If we had scorecards, you would be in the lead. You are a powerhouse.”
Wrapping up the show was
Princess, who collaborated with Season 9 winner Musa on his hit Xolele, followed by her solo rendition of Rihanna’s Russian Roulette.
JR called her first performance “amazing”, saying: “You are a powerhouse vocalist. I cannot wait to see more of you. Congratulations.”
Somizi called Princess’s showing “the performance of the night”, giving her a “Whoo-shem!”.
Next Saturday the gents (Envic, Faith, Nkosi, Sipho, Thabo, and Thando) will entertain the audience, also singing two songs each and performing duets with Saturday's guest performers when they return.
It’s now up to viewers to determine who will make the show’s final-ever Top 10, to be announced during 2 September’s live show.