The Top 7 Idols hopefuls lucked-out on Sunday evening (10 October) when everyone was saved by the bell, which tolled: no eliminations this week.
By keeping everyone in the game this week, the production has now caught up with the season's original elimination timeline that was sent out of whack when
Ithana suddenly left the show at the start of the Top 10.
Here's a recap of the live show by Mzansi Magic:
The brief of the much-anticipated Showstopper week has always been simple: pull out all the stops to give viewers a performance they will never forget.
And on Sunday night guest judge Thembi Seete added her expert opinion: take viewers on a journey, feel every minute of the performance and have the best time.
All seven contestants had the opportunity to do just that, with the show having decided to nix this weeks elimination.
Fortunately, the brief was well understood - contestants showed off their dance moves and showcased their vocal talents against a backdrop of flashing lights, breathtaking special effects and entertaining background dancers, without losing their stage presence.
It was a spectacular affair from the very first performance, with judge Randall Abrahams exclaiming “Welcome to the main event!” in reaction to
S22Kile's performance of Beyoncés Dance for You.
There was no shortage of praise as Unathi Nkayi commended
Sia Mzizi for picking himself up after last weeks coolly-received performance and pulling off a dynamic cover of De Mthuda's John Wick.
Karabo's soulful performance of Aretha Franklin's Respect had Thembi marvelling at her voice and “diva aura”, while Unathi took a bow for
Daylin Sass's rhythmic performance of Black Coffee and Usher's LaLaLa.
Berry sang Christina Aguilera's version of Something's Got a Hold on Me. While Thembi was beside herself with excitement, saying she would be upset if the multi-talented performer did not find herself busy with gigs after Idols, Randall found the performance “soulless”.
All three judges were, however, in agreement about the last two performances.
Nqobie sang Dance Like We are Making Love by Ciara, which, for a second week in a row, left Randall with nothing more to say but “You can sing, whoa!”
Kevin closed off the show with We Dance Again by Black Coffee and Nakhane - a performance that left Thembi breathless, with Unathi summing it all up by saying, “Now that is how you shut down Showstopper!”
Commenting on the performances, Randall said he was impressed with the hard work the Top 7 had put in.
“It was a Showstopper week like never before on [Idols SA], with video to live transitions being added to the mix. The Top 7 gave us a very good glimpse of how they handle themselves on video, while they also managed to pull off some very spectacular performances on stage.
"It was a good week, and I am confident that whoever is eliminated will have a bright future ahead of them,” he said.
The elimination rounds will resume next week.
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According to Mzansi Magic, votes from last week will be added to this week's votes to determine who will be eliminated next Sunday (17 October).