The competition for season 18 of “Idols SA” has begun, and Mzanzi has selected its favourites.
After a gruelling two weeks of live performances, which reduced the top 12 to 10, the top 10 were chosen on Sunday night.
Hope and Nandi were eliminated from the competition this week based on the votes of 7.5 million viewers, leaving CeeJay, Kabelo, Lerato, Mpilwenhle, Noxolo, Nozi, Tesmin-Robyn, Thapelo, Ty Loner, and Zee in the top 10.
Pretoria’s Heartfelt Arena in Tshwane was packed to the gills with fans cheering on their favourite performers live.
Mpilwenhle sang “Kahle” by Amanda Black as the show’s opening number, and she was honoured when Somizi Mhlongo, one of the judges, declared she deserved to be in the top 10.
“You are living your name: impilo yinhle,” Mhlongo said (life is beautiful). You deserve being in your current position.
Judge JR Bogopa concurred, saying “South Africa did not err. You were created for that role.
The timeless ballad “All By Myself” by Celine Dion helped Thapelo win over hearts.
“I know why Mzansi is falling in love with you — it’s because you are yourself,” judge Thembi Seete stated. It was the right approach for you to take with the music.
The judges weren’t too amused with Tesmin-rendition Robyn’s of Moneoa’s “More Than You.” Mhlongo deemed the display “safe.” Bogopa was a little more critical in his evaluation: “You were a touch cautious, and there was nothing that was ‘wow’ for me.”
Zee’s performance of “Jik’izinto” by Zonke drew harsh criticism, with Mhlongo claiming that she stole the song’s youthfulness out of it. Zee was inspired by Seete’s statement that they were being tough on her because they knew what she was capable of.
The appropriate tunes need to arrive in your lap, said Bogopa to Zee. This voice is intended to be distinctive. Locate that lane.
The judges’ reactions to Kabelo’s performance of Anthony Hamilton’s “Her Heart” were conflicting.
You need to work on those nerves because they are preventing a good thing from occurring, Seete admonished, taking no prisoners. It has not been a fantastic week.
This is not a high school talent show, Bogopa said. We need a little bit more from you.
However, Mhlongo praised the performance, saying, “You accomplished what was required for that song.”
Tank’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” was sung by Lerato.
In order to master her voice, Bogopa encouraged her to pay attention to it.
“Your voice lacked a lot of control,” I said.
Mhlongo concurred: “You were vocally afraid to go to that place. Both the high and low notes must be anticipated.
When Ty Loner swooned the judges and audience with his rendition of “Thando,” the song by “Idols SA” season 6 runner-up Lloyd Cele, it seemed like he had a strategy in place.
“If I claimed your performance was not great, I would be doing witchcraft,” Mhlongo replied. Seete applauded Ty for his variety, but Bogopa wasn’t affected by the performance. You picked a song that was great for your voice and your style.
Noxolo sang “Masterpiece (Mona Lisa)” by Jazmine Sullivan, receiving a standing ovation from Bogopa and Mhlongo for her efforts.
“You are the underdog, in our culture. Most of us didn’t anticipate this diva. Uyasingena! “, Seete stated.
This was praised by Mhlongo as the “performance of the night.” “Your voice range is truly unequalled,” stated Bogopa. You gave us depth to see.
Seete cried when listening to Nozi’s rendition of Jennifer Hudson’s “Giving Myself,” which the audience applauded even while she was singing.
Stay open to criticism because it affects your work, she advised.
Mhlongo entered the room to slam Nozi with a “whoo-shem!
He was standing next to her, wearing a figure-hugging suit and an attractive blonde wig.
Bogopa said, “‘Idols’ is done, so we may as well end the programme.”
John Legend’s “Tonight” was the song CeeJay used to close the programme.
The performance was deemed “safe” by Mhlongo, who added: “Starting next week, it’s survival of the fittest. Wahala wahala
He received a mixed reception from Seete, who described it as a “good performance, but not amazing,” and from Bogopa, who said CeeJay had hit his limit.
Voting is still open, so viewers may choose their favourites. Watch “Idols SA” live on Mzansi Magic every Sunday at 5pm (DStv channel 161).