The Top
16 15 became 10 on Idols last night (18 September) when the hopefuls were struck by a blitz of booting.
Here's a recap of events by the show:
The episode began on a sombre note with Proverb announcing the passing of South African kwaito legend Mandoza. This was followed by a performance by new-age hip hop kids Fifi Cooper and Emtee who took to the stage to perform their hit, Koze Kuse.
They were quickly followed by the girls performing Beyonce’s militant Freedom. Dressed in all black, full of attitude and a choreography resonating with the tone of the song, they had the crowd eating out of their clenched fists.
Luke and Lucia were the first to hear their fate. The husky-voiced Lucia breathed a sigh of relief when it was announced that she was safe, thanks to the public votes. Luke, on the other hand, was in the fate of the judges.
To break the tension, Season 9 winner Musa came on to serenade the crowd alongside Afro-pop kingpin Robbie Malinga with their ballad Mthande.
Amanda, Valentine and Noma were next on the chopping block. Of the three, Amanda didn’t get enough votes and her fate was also left to the judges.
The last of the ladies, Sgherdeed and Nosihe, joined Proverb on stage to hear their fate. Nosihe proved to be one of the country’s favourites and made it through to the Top 10.
A medley of Prince’s hits including Purple Rain and When Doves Cry was the guys' melody, no doubt having judge Randall Abrahams – a huge fan of the late virtuoso - all up in his feelings. Looking dapper in black and white, they charmed their way into the audience even more.
Keegan and Terra were the hit of last week’s show among the judges, receiving Performance of the Night accolades. The country agreed, and both went through to the Top 10.
The Ambitiouz Crew kept the tempo up with their energetic fusion of kwaito, hip hop and gqom, keeping the Pretoria State Theatre lit with “nu skool” fusion.
Thamsanqa, Bevin and Lusanda were the next in the spotlight. Nerves and anxiety permeated the air as Proverb delivered the verdict: none of the three had garnered enough votes to make it to the Top 10, leaving them at the mercy of the judges.
The viewers and audience had hardly had time to absorb the results when Thami, Tebogo and Sanele were called up. Fortunately they didn’t have to wait long, and it was elation all round when Tebogo and Sanele went through to the Top 10.
Black Motion feat. Dr Moruti with Heartless Intentions gave everyone a breather from the terse announcements.
Still, the nervous energy was palpable backstage as the three girls and four guys waited to see if they would be one of the two saved by the judges. Knowing that this is the one and only week the judges can use their wildcard votes ratcheted up the tension even more.
As is the nature off all competition, there have to be winners and losers. This time it was goodbye to Luke, Amanda, Sgherdeed, Lusanda and Thamsanqa.
The final Top 10 are:
Lucia Jakeni (26) from Vereeniging in Gauteng. When she entered Idols SA for the second time, she had one focus only – to pick the songs that will make her husky rough diamond voice shine brighter than any other on the show. So far, so good.
Noma Khumalo (22) from Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The Grade 4-7 assistant teacher by day and vocalist in a band by night is fast becoming the soul sister of the season with her heart-tugging song choices.
Valentine Mathe (20) from Mamelodi, outside Pretoria. Her infectious smile and love for life translate every time she takes to the stage to belt out a song. Born on Valentine’s Day, she epitomises love and happiness.
Nosihe Zulu (28) from Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. Her performances have been dominated by contemporary strong female songs that have served her well. She certainly made an indelible impression when she brought her young brother to the auditions.
Keegan Martin (23) from Roodepoort in Gauteng. Fourth time’s the charm for this young singer. The first three times he didn’t get far; finally trying his luck this season to rave reviews from the judges seeing him make the Top 10.
Simphiwe Shobede (28) from Mtubatuba in KwaZulu- Natal lives on his own and is a full time musician, actor and presenter. He will continue with his entertainment industry career regardless of the outcome of his Idols journey. His talent and flexibility have served him well enough to get to the Top 10 so far.
Tebogo Louw (24) is from Stellenbosch, Western Cape. Arguably the most watched and talked about returnee by the judges, he knows that he does not have an easy road ahead. So far, his single-minded focus has seen him impress all round.
Terra Kocks (28) Eden Park, Alberton. When he steps on to the Idols stage, not only does he open himself to every single emotion the song demands, but his incredibly layered voice sees him leave his soul on that very stage.
Sanele Mkhize (21) is from Ntumaza in KwaZulu-Natal. During his audition, Somizi called him “refreshing” and Randal said Robbie Malinga, whose song he sang, would love him.
Bevin Samuels (19) from Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. He was the first to receive four yesses in Cape Town where he auditioned, bowling the judges over with his performance of Billionaire by Bruno Mars.