In season 18 of “Idols SA,” Mzanzi selects the top five contestants.
With approximately 14 million votes cast this week, the producers of “Idols SA” announced that the show has set a voting record for season 18 as the race heats up.
Mpilo, Nozi, Thapelo, Ty Loner, and Zee all rank among the top five. Noxolo was ousted after receiving the fewest votes, hence his journey came to an end.
According to the show’s statistics, viewers have cast over 52 million votes so far this season.
This week’s program featured the finalists performing two songs before a packed house at the Heartfelt Arena in Tshwane. Each performer was tasked with performing a song by an international superstar followed by a song by a local musician.
The day following the announcement of the top five, the candidates entered the studio to record their solo singles, produced by Kalawa Jazmee.
Actually, we have no idea what you do here…
What a top five for #IdolsSA in 2022! 💫
Vote! https://t.co/gOcohK0m1C pic.twitter.com/9nTrFZeCI0
— Idols South Africa (16 October 2022) (@IdolsSA)
Before singing Mzansi hits, the trio chose to pay respect to iconic hitmaker Babyface by performing songs he composed.
Zee began the performance with Toni Braxton’s “Breathe Again.” Somizi Mhlongo, one of the judges, remarked, “There was something about that performance that made me feel satisfied.”
Later in the show, she performed “Abalele” by Kabza De Small, Ami Faku, and DJ Maphorisa. JR Bogopa described Zee’s accomplishment as “a walk in the park.”
She expressed to IOL Entertainment her homesickness.
“One thing I miss about home is when everyone gets together and catches up on one other’s lives through conversation. It is always one of the greatest memories since there is always laughter.”
Given that the top five have been away from home for eight weeks, it is easy to comprehend their homesickness.
Ty Loner’s rendition of “The Color of Love” by Boyz II Men received largely positive feedback from the judges.
Thembi Seete stated, “Thank you for remembering the importance of interacting with the crowd and enjoying the music.”
Later, Ty covered “Mgani” by A-Reece, with Mhlongo describing it as “fun, informal, effortless, and amusing. You were in your zone.”
Thapelo was the third performer of the evening, performing “End of the Road” by Boyz II Men. Bogopa, one of the judges, commented, “It sounded like the Gladys Knight performance that everyone adores. Thapelo, you are a shining star.”
His following song was “Sponky Ponky” by Jabu Khanyile.
Seete remarked, “I love your song selections. You are confident that you will have a nice time. This was again another stunning performance.”
“Being in the top five is a tremendous honor and privilege for me,” said Thapelo. All honor belongs to God.
“I meditate and remind myself to have fun on stage. Do not lose sight of the fact that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity due to excessive power lust. Do what you can to generate more wonderful experiences for after the tournament, and simply enjoy yourself.”
Nozi sang Faith Evans’s “Never Gonna Let You Go” to lukewarm applause from the judges.
Mhlongo stated, “Your star quality is something we cannot take away from you.” You are the complete package. This was hardly your best work, but it was sufficient to get you anywhere.”
Nozi’s second single was “Asibe Happy” by Kabza De Small, Ami Faku, and DJ Maphorisa. Bogopa expressed satisfaction with the performance and stated, “It accomplished its job.”
The night’s final performer was Mpilo, who sang “Another Sad Love Song” by Toni Braxton.
Seete remarked, “You did a fantastic performance, but I got the impression that you don’t believe you belong here.”
Mpilo concluded the performance with “Dali Nguwe” by Master KG, Wanitwa Mos, and Nkosazana Daughter.
Mhlongo said, “What a way to conclude the show! Do you observe what occurs when you entertain (the audience) and when you are actively involved? I love you.”
The latest “Idols SA” winner will be announced in four weeks, and the competition has already become the buzz of the town.
Sundays at 5:00 p.m. on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161), the buildup to the winner’s announcement will continue.