Luyolo squeezes Innocecentia in relief
On Sunday night 30-year-old school teacher Innocentia Sibi became the first of the Top 10 to suffer a harsh Idols booting when she was silenced at the very end of the show while the Top 9 got to sing.
Here's a recap of the episode by the show:
This week’s guest performer was DJ Tira, who was asked which 10 songs he would want to listen to if he were stranded on a deserted island. His song list was the theme for the night's performances and he mentored the contestants in their renditions.
Virginia Qwabe
Performing first - a sure sign that she was safe - was Virginia, who impressed Somizi Mhlongo so much with her performance of Durban’s Finest hit, Umsindo, that he called her Brenda Fassie reincarnated.
Randall Abrahams was equally impressed, though Unathi uWeepy -
Ed! - felt like she seemed distracted.
Sneziey Msomi
Also safe from elimination was Sneziey, who performed Dladla Mshunqisi’s Pakisha to wild cheers from the audience.
The judges agreed with the audience, with Unathi saying the music industry was just waiting to work with her, while Somizi praised her in tongues, adding a “whoo shem” for good measure.
Randall said her rehearsal was enough to impress him and her performance showed it was clear she was a true performer.
Dinky Kunene
Dinky performed third, singing No Rush by DJ Tira and Prince Bulo. Somizi enjoyed what he called a chilled performance.
Randall said that while she was a good performer and gave an equally good performance, she would have to try harder to beat the likes of Sniezey.
Unathi congratulated her for a great performance.
Micayla Oelofse
Micayla’s rendition of Daniel Caesar’s Best Part, had some mixed reviews from the judges. While they were generally happy with her performance, with Randall saying she had chosen her song wisely, Unathi felt she could have practised more restraint.
Somizi said her voice was innocent and authentic but needed to be a bit more controlled.
Nqobile Gumede
Nqobile continued to amaze the judges with her resilience. She performed Malokazi by Mduduzi and the judges praised her for a performance that they believed did justice to the spirit of the song.
Unathi said it was a sweet, strong performance that was simple and to the point, while Somizi said she did an amazing job. Rnadall said she would get votes for doing just what the song deserved - a simple performance without adding drama.
Nolo Seodisha
Next up was Nolo with AKA’s Jika. Somizi said it was a super amazing song that got him excited – especially since he is getting married very soon.
Randall said Nolo had a feel-good element about him, while Unathi said he had lived the song as he had reminded people that this was wedding season – a time to be happy.
Mangaliso Gumbi
Mangaliso’s performance of Chrisette Michele’s A Couple of Forevers had Randall wondering how the audience would vote, but adding he was hoping Mangaliso would be back next week.
Somizi said that like Nolo, Gumbi had given him wedding fever. Once again, he called her a wonder, saying she was part of the reason why he believes this season’s talent is probably the best by far of all the seasons of SA Idols.
Unathi called her versatile and said she had a long singing career ahead of her.
Viggy Qwabe
Viggy's cover of Distruction Boyz’s Gqom hit Amaxoki marked the first time the second half of the twins failed to excite the judges.
While Unathi felt the performance was amazing, both Randall and Somizi were less enthused, with Randall reminding her this was a competition.
Luyolo Yiba
Completing the Top 9, was Luyolo, with Sjava’s Abangani. Unathi praised Yiba for a solid, controlled performance that was exciting.
Randall said it was an honest performance, but he and Somizi asked him to be more dynamic and to give audiences a different side to his usually chilled performances.
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Now You be the Judge. Did the right person leave? Who gets the most - and least - praise from you?