The competition is heating up on the Idols stage and six contenders sit between the winner and the big prize. The Top 7 took to stage in a choir-theme which got the contenders making tedious song choices, and got me worried if those kids haven’t heard of Mariah Carey and R Kelly songs which are fitted for choir backings. Or maybe the Idols team gave them a stringent song list to choose from? Anyway, let’s look at who brought the brunt and who dropped the ball.
While everyone went dull and lull Zoe brought her guns out to stage and exploded into an incredible showcase, proving yet again that a voice isn’t the only tool one needs to win over viewers. She took on the Jackson Five’s “Can you feel it” and brought the house own. Talk about saving the best for last.
Bunny Majaja was my second favourite, with her rendition of the old-school Beatles classic “Let it be”. She handled the song so delicate, and the dramatic choral complement added the spice to it. As far as performances stand, Bunny shouldn’t be in the bottom two this week and so is Zoe.
Sonke was my third favourite with Jimmy Cliff’s “Many rivers to cross.” Although the song fell flat due to its unpopular nature, Sonke’s vocals were point on. No vayi-vayis and exaggerated vibratos, his voice is definitely the one to be reckoned with. The performance had judge Randal Abrahams citing “I see you going very far in this competition”, which the young humble Sowetan received with a nod.
Teen favourite Brenden’s performance was the fourth best. He took on Josh Groban’s “You raise me up” and fiddled with it to stamp his signature to it. Unfortunately it also fell flat, but the highly popular contender held the high notes and ran with them to the end, yet to another of Gareth’s mock. It felt like Gareth and Randal had switched bodies as Mr Cliff found all song choices bleak.
Musa’s version of Anthony Hamilton’s “Pass me over” felt like a gospel worship item in a church service. Musa possibly has the best voices in the competition. He has power, control and a distinct tone which could make any live performance unforgettable but he always skews towards gospel which ultimately makes him sound the same in every song. He is a tough contender, but he needs a quick change of approach to songs.
Christina’ star is losing the glow - FAST. I don’t know if she is making BAD song choices, but it seemed like she was on the right track when the competition started. Her rendition of Alicia Keys’ “Falling” was painful to the ears. Girl needs to pull up her socks or else she’ll be next to bite the dust.
After Christalene’s first audition, I was routing for her to make the Top 10 and when she made it I couldn’t be any happier. But I’m slowly feeling like I made the worst mistake rooting for her to start with. She sang Aretha Franklin’s “(You make me feel like) a Natural woman” and although she was on good key with the choir, she did nothing with the song. The song has been sang by almost every female singer who exist and each one has put their signature to it, but Christalene didn’t. She was my weakest link this week.
Did you vote? Who are rooting for? Who came up best for you? Who might go home?