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Johannesburg - The Idols live show at the SA State Theatre in Pretoria was themed Hits from the Movies, and started off on an uplifting note as contestants took to the stage with Kirk Franklin’s version of Earth Wind and Fire’s September, backed by the Idols Band and the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra.
It was the last time all nine would be on stage together.
Fitting in with the theme, the contestants were glamorous in black evening wear that made them look red carpet ready.
A suave Botlhale was the first to breathe a sigh of relief when his name was called. He chose Lionel Ritchie’s Say You Say Me from the film White Nights. The judges’ response was lukewarm, with Randall lamenting his “lack of energy” and Somizi pointing out that “it wasn’t bad but it wasn’t great either”.
Tee made it onto the stage next, performing Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror from the movie, Joyful Noise. The judges’ consensus was that she had already conceded defeat. “If you want to win, you have to sing like a winner. You didn’t,” was Randall’s blunt assessment.
The positive feedback came with Christo, who serenaded with I Just Called to Say I Love You by Stevie Wonder from the movie, Lady In Red. Somizi called it flawless. Unathi said he’d “coloured it so beautifully” and Randall was full of praise for both contestant and the orchestra.
Faith also received a clean scorecard after seducing with a unique rendition of Bob Marley’s No Woman No Cry from the dog friendly film Marley. Randall set the tone with his comment: “I was perplexed by the song [version] but you were pretty good in it.”
It was a more restrained Phindy who took to the stage to sing the Robin Hood anthem Everything I Do by Brian Adams. While Randall found it “cloying and far too sweet”, Unathi called it Phindy’s best performance of the season and Somizi commended her for “not being afraid to be ugly to be beautiful”.
It was Paxton who was doing a happy dance a moment later when her name was called. Singing the iconic Over the Rainbow by Judy Garland from The Wizard of Oz, she received a standing ovation from the audience and two of the judges. “You are incredible,” said Unathi, “The metamorphosis you take us through every week is amazing.”
Next up on the Idols stage was the indomitable Mthokozisi, who also received a standing ovation from Unathi and Somizi after pouring his heart out singing R. Kelly’s I Believe I Can Fly from Space Jam. “Every time you come on stage, you are absolutely committed. I have a suspicion you’re going all the way,” said Randall. Unathi said he is giving every child in KZN the belief that they can be anything. And Somizi declared: “You are the Caster Semenya of vocals!”
With only Lindo and Thapelo left of stage, the tension was almost unbearable. Lindo’s burst of relief came as Thapelo was announced as the one leaving. Singing Luther Vandross’ Evergreen from A Star Is Born, Lindo had the judges singing his praises. Unathi said he did it justice. Randall waxed lyrical, applauding how his guttural voice surprisingly worked in contrast to the soft strings of the orchestra.
Here's how to vote for your favourite
Here's another look at how things went tonight on #IdolsSA. Who impressed you most? Vote for them here: https://t.co/wFXzb9chcz pic.twitter.com/5krgfZQins
— Idols South Africa (@IdolsSA) October 1, 2017
Catch Idols SA Sundays at 17:00 on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161).
