The Top 10 finalists went into battle for the Idols title last night by performing classic R’nB hits from the 90s.
Here's a recap of the episode by the show:
Keegan set the tone for all things hearts and roses when he opened the show with Luther Vandross’ The Impossible Dream, hitting high notes that had the judges dispensing compliments at a dizzying rate.
Randall even said hotshot Keegan had set the bar so high, it was going to be almost impossible for the other nine contestants to follow.
It was up to
Lucia to prove him wrong as the next contestant to perform, singing Never Gonna Let You Go by Faith Evans. This proved to be right up her alley, as she comfortably breezed through the performance. The judges were impressed, but Unathi urged her to “not be afraid to leave your emotions on the floor”.
Sanele’s song choice was the Boyz II Men sing-a-long, I’ll Make Love To You. According to Unathi, he started off shakily but made up for it later. But Randall was not so accommodating, and bluntly stated that “the train has come off the tracks” with Sanele’s performance.
The train came back quickly with
Noma’s rendition of Whitney Houston’s My Love Is Your Love. The judges agreed that she had taken that popular karaoke staple and turned it into her own hit. “It was great!” enthused Gareth.
Bevin showed some extra slo-mo love with Robbie Williams’ Angels. While the crowd ate it up, Gareth said it wasn't the best song choice and was a little dry. The rest of the judges concurred.
Consistent favourite
Terra Cox had Unathi jumping out of her chair when he serenaded audiences with Tell Me What You Want Me To Do by Tevin Campbell. Somizi went one up on Unathi when he strutted from the judges’ table to give Terra a standing ovation. Somizi called it “the best performance of the night thus far”. To the crowd’s delight, Randall pronounced “You channelled El DeBarge before breaking into song!"
Nosihe changed things up next by playing the keyboard during her performance of I’m Your Angel by Celine Dion feat. R. Kelly. Unathi called it powerful, Randall didn’t like the song choice, Gareth said there were times he felt she was shouting at them, and Somizi said it felt like being at a government official’s wedding.
Tebogo sang Jodeci’s Lately. Randall didn’t mince his words and told Tebogo he is in danger. Gareth complimented him on his voice but felt he was emotionally disconnected from the song and interpreted it as if it was a protest song.
Toni Braxton’s Unbreak My Heart received the
Thami treatment. Unfortunately he forgot the lyrics and stumbled on the song. The judges’ opinions was split in the middle: two of them sure that the voting audience will forgive him while the other two questioned his longevity on the Idols stage.
Valentine closed off the show on a high note with Whitney Houston’s I’m Your Baby Tonight. Her spirited performance had the crowd on their feet while Somizi decalred “I was born during this song! Hallelujah!”.