Idol SA S16 Top 3 contestant Brandon was sadly voted out of the competition after he failed not secure enough votes to remain in the competition, leaving Zama or Mr Music as South Africa’s next music idol.
Before the voting results were announced, the top three treated fans to their first ever performances of their very first singles, demonstrating their transformation from wooden mic auditionees to talented musicians who command the stage and ready for the big time.
The evening saw Mr Music and Zama sang their new afro-pop singles, ‘Ngikhethe Kahle’ and ‘Ndizobizwa’, While Brandon dropped a “hip hop track with other elements”, titled ‘Uhambe’.
The judges remarked that the singles, which are now available on iTunes, signified how Kalawa Jazzmee was was a perfect fit for this year’s competition.
With Brandon now having bowed out of the competition, it is now up to the voters to decide between Mr Music and Zama – and their performances tonight did not make this choice any easier.
Idols SA S16 top 2 – ready for the big time
Mr Music returned to sing his very first audition song, Linda’s ‘Ngam’thanda Umuntu’. Randall remarked how different the first attempt sounded to this performance, yet he remained at the centre of it all.
Somizi too loved the performance, stating that if there was anyone who would make an amazing finalist, it was Mr Music.
His second performance – his own favourite of the show – was Sun-EL Musician and Ami Faku’s ‘Into Ingawe’, which had Somizi giving him his ultimate nod, the “whoo shem”. Randall and Unathi agreed that his endearing qualities, singing ability and desire to win would ensure that fans would vote for him to the very end.
Zama performed for her first top two offering the song she sang for her final theatre week audition, ‘Without You’ by Mariah Carey. “We fell in love with you the moment we met you,” Unathi said, while Somizi said he was sad that the song had ended. “I can’t get enough of your voice,” he added.
Randall took the opportunity to offer a word of advice. “Your singing is very good, but you need to imbue that performance with emotion and absolutely let go,” he said.
Her second performance of ‘A Change is Gonna Come’ by Jennifer Hudson, said he had nothing to say but that next week’s reduced Unathi was reduced to joyful giggles at the performance, thanking her for giving her best.
Somizi too was beside himself with joy, saying he killed it. “You have given it your all – that was amazing! You deserve a standing ovation!”
On Sunday (December 13), Idols SA fans will find out who is the next SA Idol is. South Africa’s 16th Idol will become an instant millionaire, winning among other great prizes, including Samsung products to the value of R150,000 and the all new Toyota Starlet 1.4. XR Manual.
Of course, the grand prize is a recording deal from the famed Kalawa Jazmee.
Idols SA S16 season finale airs on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) at 5pm on Sunday (December 13).