The Mpumalanga-based rising star is taking his unexpected exit in his strides, and took to the social media to “thank everyone that has been supporting and showing me love on my Idols journey”.
“This journey has been nothing but an emotional roller coaster but with you guys by me, I was inspired to push harder everyday and not give up. Thank you all so much for everything, I appreciate and love you guys so much, ” he wrote on Facebook.
The remaining 9 contestants, however, showed they are in it to win it as they performed under the theme ‘lockdown hits’.
Jooma was first to take to the stage, singing Loyiso’s ‘Madoda Sabelani’. While Unathi Nkayi merely thanked him on behalf of the women of South Africa, Randall Abrahams advised him to “change it up” for more variety.
Bongi was next with ‘Stand Up’ by Cynthia Erivo. Unathi said it was a beautiful performance, while Somizi said her performance was her way of saying she was in a competition and taking no prisoners.
ZanoThando followed through with quite an impressive choice of Miss Pru Dj’s ‘Price to Pay’ which Unathi particularly took a liking to, as she called her a formidable entertainer.
Be, too, was commended for her song choice – Ella Mai’s ‘Boo’d Up’, with both Randall and Unathi saying she had handled the song well. Somizi, however, said while she had performed well, it lacked the X-factor.
Ntokozo choice ‘Happiness’ by Kelly Khumalo got mixed reactions, with Unathi saying her emotions did not match the song, while Randall, however, was full of praise. “This was your first real performance because you were committed it. You were part of the song, giving it meaning,” he said.
Brandon’s rendition of Justin Bieber’s ‘Sorry’ too received mixed reactions from the judges, with Randall and Somizi urging him to own the stage. “This is not an audition,” Somizi charge. But for Unathi, Brandon’s performance was completely “brilliant and flawless”.
Ndoni’s rendition of Idols SA alumni Amanda Black’s ‘Ndizele Wena’, on the other hand, had the trio eating out of her hands. While Somizi had only two words – whimsical and ethereal – to describe it, Unathi said this was her best performance this entire season. “You were perfection in my eyes,” she said.
Zama’s performance of Doja Cat’s ‘Say So’ was also well-received by the judges. While Somizi declaring himself a fan, Randall particularly commended her versatility, saying she had to be an exceptional performer to pull that performance off.
The final contestant of the evening, Mr Music, was able to pull off a highly spirited performance as viewers waited in great anticipation, for the top 9 big real.
His performance of Sun-EL Musician and Ami Faku’s ‘Into Ingawe’, engage with the audience, with Randall adding: “I think your personality comes across and jumps off the screen.”
Next week, the top 9 will fight it out to secure a spot in the top 8. Voting lines are already open, and viewers can cast their votes by visiting.
Hot on the heels of the crowning of King William’s town native, Luyolo Yiba as Idols SA season 15 winner, in October 2019, ‘Idols SA‘ S16 airs every Sunday on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161), 5pm.
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