Idols SA announces top 5

Nearly 14 million votes were cast last week, resulting in Mpilo, Nozi, Thapelo, Ty Loner and Zee securing spots in the competition, while sadly marking the end of the journey for Noxolo.

The top five performed two songs each to a full house at Tshwane’s Heartfelt Arena where they first paid tribute to legendary hitmaker Babyface with songs he’s produced, before they took on Mzansi bangers.

Kicking things off was Zee with Toni Braxton’s ‘Breathe Again’. The judges were impressed, with Somizi Mhlongo saying: “There was something about that performance that said, ‘I’m content’.”

Her second song was Kabza De Small, Ami Faku and DJ Maphorisa’s ‘Abalele’. JR Bogopa called it “a walk in the park” for Zee.

Next to perform was Ty Loner, who took on Boyz II Men’s ‘The Colour of Love’, to mostly positive feedback from the judges. Thembi Seete said: “Thank you for not forgetting the strength of engaging with the audience and having fun with the song.”

Ty later took on ‘Mgani’ by A-Reece, with Mhlongo saying: “It was fun, casual, easy, and entertaining. You were in your zone.”

The third performer of the night was Thapelo, with ‘End of the Road’ by Boyz II Men. The judges loved it, with JR saying: “It sounded like the Gladys Knight rendition that everyone loves. Thapelo, you’re a star.”

His next song was Jabu Khanyile’s ‘Sponky Ponky’. Seete said: “I love your song choices – you know that you’re gonna have a good time. That was another beautiful performance.”

Nozi took on ‘Never Gonna Let You Go’ by Faith Evans, to a muted response from the judges. Mhlongo told her: “One thing we cannot take away from you is your star quality. You’re the full package… This was not your greatest, but it was good enough to take you somewhere.”

Nozi’s second song was Kabza De Small, Ami Faku and DJ Maphorisa’s ‘Asibe Happy’. JR said he enjoyed the performance: “It did what it had to do.”

The final performer of the night was Mpilo, who took on Toni Braxton’s ‘Another Sad Love Song’. Thembi said: “You gave us a beautiful performance, but I had a sense that you don’t believe you deserve to be here.”

Mpilo later closed the show with Master KG, Wanitwa Mos and Nkosazana Daughter’s ‘Dali Nguwe’. Mhlongo said: “What a way to end the show! Do you see what happens when you entertain [the audience] and when you’re engaged? I love you.”  

Tickets to the Idols SA live shows are on sale on Computicket. The audience can purchase tickets for the Idols SA live shows here. Idols SA can be viewed on DStv channel 161 on Sundays from 5.30pm CAT. For more information, visit the Idols SA official website.