After bidding farewell to the three hopefuls, the remaining top 6 went all out to impress the judges last Sunday. After the eliminations last week, the remaining Top 6 realised that the competition was on and that nerves on stage won’t help them get any far in the competition. After the judges’ advice and criticisms last week, the judges urged the remaining contestants to pull up their socks as they won’t have any mercy in the next round. This week the Top 6 had to perform 2 songs; one chosen for them by the judges and one from their own selection.
First to perform was the Eldorado Park born Darleen Jonkers who sang Cece Winans’ Jesus you are beautiful from the judges’ choice. Tshepo said it was fair on other kids as she had the looks, stage command and presence and a voice to match! Liesl said she liked the fact that she took the criticism from last week and put in in her performance and that she has what it takes to be a winner. Steven said Darleen knows why she is in the competition. Her second song- Ntokozo Mbambo’s In The Shadow of Your Wings- was also met with great reviews from the judges.
After singing her own composition last week and being applauded for it, the KZN born Precious Mpofane was again back with a bang as she did justice to Marvin Sapp’s – Never Would Have made It- Liesl said she liked the fact that she made the song her own and that it was chilled. Tshepo said she took the song to new heights and that she ministered through the song without ‘necessarily screaming’. Steven echoed both Tshepo and Liesl and said she loved the performance. Her second performance didn’t hit the mark with Tshepo and said he felt the back-up singers swallowed her a bit on the chorus but it was an overall good performance. Liesl shared the same sentiments and said she liked the first performance more.
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The third performance was carried by the Nomandla Mfecane all the way from Cape Town. She sang Hillsong’s –Be Still- Tshepo loved it but thought she could have used the stage more. Liesl said she has a powerful voice and does wonders with it without making so much effort. Steven said she loved the fact that she is versatile vocally and can take on any song in any form. Her second song- wangithatha- moved the audience as they sang and danced along. Steven said she took him to ‘zion’ with the song and said the same thing about her versatility. Liesl loved the fact the she involved the audience and felt like she was in a concert. Tshepo said he enjoyed the performance and was glad that she is cracking out of her shell and starting to enjoy herself more.
The youngest of them all, Ndumiso Mahlangu gave a stellar performance for the judges’ song choice –That Name- by Yolanda Adams. Tshepo said it was the best performance of the night. Liesl couldn’t utter a word but managed to say ‘wow’ and further said ‘thank you’. Steven said she makes the competition worthwhile and that he is glad to have picked her during the auditions. Her second song –ezinkanyezi- gave Steven goose bumps for the second time in a row. Liesl said she wasn’t sure if she liked the first performance more or the second one more. Tshepo said he wished he could ‘bottle her up’ and just keep her innocence and talent for years to come.
Nomvula Nhlapo sang Aretha Franklin’s Bridge over Troubled Waters- Tshepo said she took the song and made it her own and the she loved it. Liesl felt Nomvula could have done more with the song but has enjoyed the performance nonetheless. Steven thought it was an excellent performance and that the contestants are now making their job difficult.
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The last performance was given by Nokuthula Mndaweni from KZN Jesus is Love from the Commodores. Both Tshepo and Liesl weren’t impressed with the judges and felt she lost the spark on her performance. Steven said she could have done so much more with the song and that given the stage of the competition, she didn’t do herself any justice. Her second performance- My Redeemer lives by Nicole C. Mullen- didn’t hit the spot with the judges. Liesl said she wanted to see something different from Nokuthula whereas TSHEPO said he can only hope she stays in the competition.
After the performance, it was Nokuthula Mndaweni and Nomandla Mfecane who didn’t make the cut, each missing a chance to book a spot on the Top 4.
The remaining 4 are at it again next week as they battle it out to book a spot in the Top 3. Again this week, the hopefuls will be singing two songs; One Chosen for them by the judges and one from their own choice.