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Johannesburg - With only two weeks to go before the finale, Sunday's Idols SA episode came with a twist – a plane ticket to London for the three remaining at the end of the show.
The top four were paired with former Idols contenders for their duet round, which saw the return of season nine winner Musa, season 10 and 11’s top 10 finalists Kyle Deutsch and Amanda Black, as well as last year’s runner-up Thami back on the Idols stage.
Randall predicted it was going to be difficult to find fault – the pairings were perfect, the song choices complementary and the performances impeccable.
Phindy and Musa took to the stage with We Can’t Be Friends by Deborah Cox featuring RL. The performance earned Phindy one of the best responses from the judges this season, with Randall commending the duo on great chemistry and the other judges concurring.
An emotional Paxton gave a stirring performance with Kyle Deutsch when they sang Stay by Rihanna featuring Mikky Ekko, which Somizi called flawless. Added Unathi: “This is a sign of a good vocalist. You can trust yourself to be vulnerable.”
An all-guy duet followed with Mthokozisi and Thami singing Sam Smith and John Legend’s Lay Me Down. Somizi took a leaf out of Unathi’s book – and water from her cup – and opened the teary floodgates. Unathi herself said Mthokozisi had her speaking in tongues, and Randall applauded him for following advice for a smooth performance.
The compliments kept coming when Bothlale paired up with Amanda Black to sing Sokwenzenjani by Naima K featuring Robbie Malinga. “It seems you’ve travelled far and developed more. You’ve gone for the finish line,” asserted Randall.
With the halfway point reached, it was time for Proverb to announce the contestant leaving the show. After 11 million votes, Phindy will be the one not boarding a flight to London as the Top Three make their way to the UK tonight.
The solo round
Paxton started off the solo round with The Fugees’ Killing Me Softly. “I only have one word for you: confidence! You’ve grown in confidence and in turn, you’ve grown in your performance,” declared Randall.
Mthokozisi followed with Nkosi Yamakhosi from Afrotraction. “Hallelujah! Praise God!” shouted Somizi. “I think this is the first time in the history of Idols that someone sang a song in three different languages. Thank you!” said Unathi.
Bothlale brought the show to an end with John Legend’s You and I. Somizi predicted he will be in the final, while Randall and Unathi held back but showered him with positive feedback.
Next week will determine the two who will battle it out in the finale on Sunday, 19 November, at Carnival City.
Tune in to Idols SA season 13 Sundays at 17:00 on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161).
