Idols SA staged the top 10 live performance on Sunday night under the theme “Lifting our Spirits”. The female contestants continued to bring their A game and showed the aspirant male singers flames. But who will make it to the top 9 and who will get the chop this Sunday? Below, Sowetan makes its predictions:
Top Three
Zama
A change is coming and her name is Zama. She continued to surpass expectations with her rendition of A Change Is Gonna Come, originally popularised by Sam Cooke and recently recorded by Jennifer Hudson.
Zama not only shimmered in her sequined little number, but she beautifully showed off her vocal range and effortlessly hit every note. As a result, she had the judges speaking in tongues. Unathi sealed it with tears and Somizi shouted from the top of his lungs “Whoooooo Sheeem!”
Ntokozo
Ntokozo kept her consistency and proved why she is a fan favourite. She took it to church this time around with her rendition of Never Alone by Tori Kelly.
Ntokozo’s ability to have strong stage presence while she remains emotionally poignant and technically flawless as a vocalist is something rare and special. She preached the gospel through the lyrics of the song and uplifted us at home – without breaking a sweat. Can I get an Amen?
Jooma
One of the best things about Idols SA is that each season there emerges a dark horse that you can’t help but root for. Jooma did exactly that on Sunday night with his take of relatively unknown masterpiece River by Leon Bridges.
Smart song choice by Jooma as it brilliantly complimented his unique voice and positioned him as the best male vocalist in the competition. His vulnerability and wrestling to find his confidence made him the perfect embodiment of the song.
Bottom three
Mr Music
There is no doubt that Mr Music had fun as he performed Sjava’s Iqhawe. But the freestyle nature of the arrangement gave off wedding singer vibez. A lot was missing and it came off as if he didn’t make much of an effort – while other contestants went all out.
Let’s blame it on the song choice. Mr Music’s performance was an anti-climax since he came after Zama’s powerful act. Like Randall cautioned him, it was just not the most memorable of the night.
Succedor
Succedor tried to dance his way into the top nine, but I’m afraid it might have come short. His moves were smooth as her took on Stevie Wonder’s Higher Ground – but that’s where it ends. Vocally he had countless faults.
The arrangement of the song was cluttered and the band overwhelmed him. Add to the mix Succedor wearing many layers and the extravagant stage lights. By the end Succedor had vanished into oblivion.
Be
It’s frustrating that Be didn’t bring it because she is one of my favourites this season. When Be takes it there, she brings the roof down. She particularly stood, not in a good way, because her performance of Mariah Carey’s Make It Happen was the most up-tempo of the night.
Be, if you are reading this, you dropped the ball. She tried so hard to make it groovy but failed. Be sounded good, but she wasn’t great – and I know she can be outstanding. Hopefully it doesn’t come at a high cost.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.