Lungi 2 followed in Lungi 1's footsteps on Saturday (16 September) when Lungelo Motaung became the latest casualty of Idols 19, which must have left her sister in a funk on the sidelines.
Lungelo's BSF (Best Sister Forever) submitted her audition video on her behalf and no doubt felt the same painful pang experienced by Lungelo when Faith's name was called out to stay instead.
At least she avoided the hard work of fending off being cheesy as the remaining eight performed songs by Lionel "Old Skool" Richie.
Here's a wrap of the evening's performances by Mzansi Magic:
Before the Top 8 were unveiled, the Top 9 kicked off the show with a spirited performance of the Ami Faku, DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small hit Abalele.
This was followed by Inkabi Zezwe - the duo of Big Zulu and Sjava - who brought their track Sayona to the Mosaïek Teatro stage.
First to perform in the Top 8 was
Thando, who took on Love, Oh Love.
The judges had praise and pointers, with JR saying: “The energy was there, but going forward just focus on your voice control. You’re not using your full range.”
Sena sang the track You Are, to mostly praise from the judges.
Thembi said: “It gives me so much joy to watch you, to see a young woman blossoming into this diva. You were on it and you were on key.”
For his performance,
Envic sang I Call It Love, impressing the judges.
Somizi said: “You are a naturally seasoned performer. You gave this song every little thing that it needed. That is called artistic intelligence, and nobody can take that away from you.”
Next to hit the stage was
Niikiey, who performed Easy (Like Sunday Morning) from Richie’s Commodores days.
The judges loved it, with JR saying: “This is what we call timeless music and you can become a timeless artist. What a brilliant performance.”
Thabo took on We Are the World, bringing the audience and judges to their feet, and earning a "Whoo-shem!" from Somizi.
Thembi said: “You’ve been consistent. This was a beautiful performance. The passion and truth were there. Well done.”
For her performance,
Princess sang Just Go, to a mostly positive response from judges.
Somizi said: “The song wasn’t good, but that’s not your fault. Your vocals were on point. As the song went on, I started falling in love because you made something out of almost nothing. That is commendable.”
Next was Nkosi, whose rendition of Ballerina Girl impressed the judges. JR said: “There’s something about you that’s so effortless. There’s a sense of comfort and belonging, and when I listen to you I feel content.”
Ending off the night was
Faith with Penny Lover.
Thembi said: “You are such a charmer, the cherry on top is how comfortable you are with your voice. You are letting go and giving us everything we need to hear.”
Next week marks the last-ever Showstopper, where finalists will channel their inner Beyoncé as they bring out their arena performer selves.