Sunday night saw Idol SA’s female contestants fight to secure their spot in the top 10 that will be revealed this Sunday. In comparison to the male hopefuls a week ago, the women gave the men a run for their money. The competition was so tight that it made it hard this week to pick the top four and bottom two.
Top Four
- Ntokozo
There was a “whooooooo shem” from Randall, instead of Somizi. Unathi turned on the waterworks the first time this season. Somizi gave a standing ovation. Ntokozo nearly tripped on her dress, because her performance was that earth-shattering. The lady in red elegantly delivered a smooth rendition of Etta James’s I’d Rather Go Blind. The arrangement of the song was ingenious, while vocally she exercised so much restrain instead of screaming her head off. It was a moving and emotional act that will see her comfortably waltz into the top 10.
- Jerodine
Jerodine kicked off her show with a bang. Her take on Give Him Something He Can Feel by En Vogue set such a high standard for everyone that followed. Shimmering in a sequined little number, her performance was sensual and soulful. It was also the perfect song choice for her because her ingenuity made her the embodiment of every lyric in the song.
- Be
Be is the total package. She had fun on that stage and it was so infectious that I had fun watching from home. After making a convincing plea with her performance of How Come You Don’t Call Me by Alicia Keys the only thing that was left was to pick up the phone and vote for her. She delivered the song with so much sass and attitude. Her stage presence is strong and ability to own such a platform will get her far in the competition.
- Bongi
Bongi was simply diva divine. She possibly belted her way into the top 10 with All The Man That I Need. While her song choice was safe, predictable and comfortable; at this stage of the competition it was smart. It beautifully complimented her big voice, although at times it felt like she was impersonating the great Whitney Houston. I would like to see her stretch herself more.
Bottom two
- Melanin
Coming straight after Jerodine set the stage on fire was always going to be a tough act to follow. Unfortunately, for Melanin she crumbled under pressure. Her take on Cyndi Lauper’s classic hit True Colors wasn’t illuminating. She didn’t shine through like a rainbow as the song suggests. She flatlined throughout the song and then towards the end she came back to life – but it was too little too late.
- Ndoni
It pains me to put her name in the bottom because Ndoni is one of my favourite contestants in the competition. She has such a unique look and idiosyncratic raspy voice that make her so distinctively special and current. But her performance of Fast Cars by Tracy Chapman was messy. She was breathy and disconnected from the band. Regardless of what her fate will be this Sunday, she has a bright musical future ahead of her post Idols SA.
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