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The Idols SA season finale is drawing closer, with only two shows left before the season 18 winner is announced. The pressure has gotten worse, as yet another contestant’s dream of becoming this year’s winner was dashed this weekend when Tyrique Swarts was booted out of the show on Sunday evening.
The Johannesburg musician had earlier said he did not know that he had entered Idols SA until he received a phone call letting him know he was successful. His girlfriend had secretly sent in a video of his singing exploits just “to see what would happen”.
Swarts said he was grateful for the opportunity that his girlfriend made possible for him.
The 21-year-old was not too sad about leaving. Instead, he was all positive and chuckling.
“Ironically, I feel good. I don’t think I am supposed to be sad. I made it to the top four in the country and that is crazy. I was two weeks away from being in the final, can you imagine that? I am thrilled. I would have loved to continue, but I do not regret falling out at this stage. I feel like everything has its time, and it is probably my time to kiss Idols goodbye,” he said with a huge smile.
READ: Idols SA: Six reasons Thapelo will make it to Top 2
He added that he went into this season with less expectations, thus he was grateful for having made it to the top four after his previous attempt in the competition a few years ago when he did not go as far as this season.
“I expected nothing because I did not want to set myself up for a broken heart, so every week when I made it through, it was really cool. I gave my best in every performance. That is why I am still happy,” said the visibly relieved musician.
Left to compete for the finale were Nozipho Sibiya, Thapelo Molomo, as well as Mpilwenhle Mokopu, who battled it out on the Idols stage, with each performing three songs. Their songs were divided into three categories; songs they auditioned with, songs by divas and divos; and songs chosen by the judges.
First up on stage was Sibiya, who performed Best Part by Daniel Caesar. She channelled the sassy side of her when she performed Try A Little Tenderness by Aretha Franklin and closed it off with I Rise Up chosen by Somizi Mhlongo.
READ: Idols favourite knows when to deliver as Top 10 race heats-up
Mokopu, the youngest of the three, got her golden ticket after performing Ke Mo Africa by Maleh, and she reminded the judges why they had to say yes to her, as she gave an improved version of her audition performance. Thembi Seete praised her after she performed Angel of Mine by Monica, but Mhlongo was not so impressed. Her last song - A Long Walk by Jill Scott - was chosen by Seete.
He followed that up with When A Man Loves a Woman by Michael Bolton, and sealed his amazing performances with Luther Van Ross’ So Amazing chosen by Thabo Bogopa.
The performances were a fusion of Sunday soul sessions and jazz festival vibes. For the first time in a long time, South Africans will have a hard time choosing who should be in the finale. The three contestants are powerhouses. May the best one win.
