Idols SA unveils top 9

The top nine are ZanoThando, Brandon, Mr Music, Zama, Ntokozo, Be, Bongi, Jooma and Ndoni. The organisers bid farewell to Succedor, whose performance of Stevie Wonder’s ‘Higher Ground’ could not secure him a spot in the next round of the competition’s 16th edition.

“Seeing a contestant eliminated is not easy – all of these singers are talented and have potential – but the survival of the remaining contestants is in the hands of the voters, so they need to continue voting to ensure their favourite Idols wannabe remains to the end,” M-Net director of local entertainment channels Nomsa Philiso said.

Jooma, who was the first on stage, performed Loyiso’s ‘Madoda Sabelani’. Unathi Nkayi thanked him on behalf of South African women, while Randall Abrahams advised him to “change it up” for more variety and called him a good vocalist. Somizi Mhlongo praised the performance, saying it was enough to take him to the finals and beyond.

Bongi was next with ‘Stand Up’ by Cynthia Erivo and received praise from all the three judges who labelled his performance beautiful. ZanoThando performed Miss Pru DJ’s ‘Price to Pay’. While all the judges commended his choice of song, Somizi urged him to show his emotional side.

Be sang Ella Mai’s ‘Boo’d Up’ while Ntokozo performed ‘Happiness’ by Kelly Khumalo. Commenting on Ntokozo’s performance, Unathi felt her emotions did not match the song in parts, but Somizi disagreed: “She got the brief.” Randall said: “This was your first real performance because you were committed to it. You were part of the song, giving it meaning.”

Brandon’s rendition of Justin Bieber’s ‘Sorry’ had the judges praising his performance, but Randall and Somizi urged him to own the stage. “This is not an audition,” Somizi said.

Ndoni performed Amanda Black’s ‘Ndizele Wena’. “You were perfection in my eyes,” Unathi said, while Randall acknowledged that Ndoni's performance was good.

Zama’s rendition of Doja Cat’s ‘Say So’ was well received by the judges, with Somizi declaring himself a fan and Unathi saying she deserved to be in the competition. Randall commended her flexibility, saying she had to be an exceptional performer to pull that performance off.

Mr Music performed Sun-EL Musician and Ami Faku’s ‘Into Ingawe’ and Somizi said: “There’s something beautiful about your voice, it is distinct”, with Randall adding: “I think your personality comes across and jumps off the screen.”

Idols SA can be viewed on DStv channel 161 on Sundays from 5.30pm CAT. For more information, visit the Idols SA official website.