And the Top 10 contenders on Idols 13 are:
Botlhale Phora (21)
Botlhale hails from Garankuwa in Pretoria, but auditioned in Joburg. The full-time musician plays gigs for a living, and the highlight of his career so far has been sharing a stage with Lira at the State Theatre. This is his first shot at Idols and he’s going for gold.
Christo Daniels (21)
Christo first tried his luck at the Joburg auditions, but did not make it past the preliminary rounds. When a chance presented itself through Telkom, in his hometown of Port Elizabeth a few weeks later, he grabbed it and made it count. The second year Business Management student says music is the love that he can’t escape, and Idols is the stepping stone that he needs.
The 10 were announced during the live show on Sunday, 10 September 2017.
Faith Msibi (25)
Faith first auditioned with her two sisters in Season 12. This time, her Pretoria audition was just herself and her confidence. The Witbank daughter of a pastor says she’s got her nerves in check this time and is ready to fight for her place in the spotlight.
Lindo Sithole (21)
Lindokule "Lindo" Sithole has won the judges over with his voice and charisma. From Centurion, Pretoria, he’s more determined than ever to go all the way to the top after crashing out during Theatre Week in Season 12.
Mthokozisi Ndaba (25)
Mthokozisi has had a long road to the Idols stage. Shortly after a successful audition in Durban, he was shot during a mugging. A true kasi guy from KwaMashu, his true grit saw him make it through to the Top 16. Now he’s ready to fight for the public vote.
Paxton Fielies (16)
Paxton is the youngest contestant this season, and was the first to receive a Golden Ticket during auditions in Cape Town. The teen from Bishops Lavis is a Grade 11 pupil and has the full backing of her family and school when it comes to pursuing her musical dream. Her impressive voice bowled over the judges when she auditioned to Tori Kelly’s Confetti, and she has not disappointed the judges since.
Phindy Dube
Phindile "Phindy" Dube was one of the talented few who received a full panel of yesses from the judges. The lass from Amanzimtoti is a cover artist and hopes to make her audition city Durban – and the entire KZN – proud.
Tee Xaba (18)
Nomthandazo "Tee" Xaba studies drama at UKZN. When auditioning in her home city, this teen from Southgate in Durban said she aspires to be a triple threat as a singer, actress and dancer.
Thapelo Esau (20)
Thapelo fell off during Theatre Week in Season 12 after she lost her voice. But the aspirant singer from Vosloorus in the East Rand, pushed through when the same thing threatened to happen again this season. Her determination, from the time she auditioned in Pretoria, has seen her make the Top 16.
Thokozile Ndimande (27)
Thokozile auditioned in Pretoria and has been honing her skills as a back-up singer for Afro-soul singer Maleh and former Idols winner Karabo. This is the third time the Soshanguve singer has entered Idols, and she’s hoping three will be her lucky number.