Six more voices sang for a spot in the final Top 10 of South African Idols on Saturday night (26 August).
The gals did their thang last week and voting lines have closed for them. Now it's time for the guys to get some finger-pumping action, if they deserve it of course.
Here's a recap of what they sang, with who, and how the judges responded:
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 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.”