The road to the SA Idols final may have come to an end for Thando, but tonight’s live show was more of a celebration than a sad farewell.
The Top 10 made a surprise return to the stage to memorialise the record-breaking 110 million votes garnered over the season so far, with nearly 22 million of those coming in over the past week as Mzansi fans fought to keep their favourites in the competition.
Small in stature and big in voice, Alberton’s pride leaves Idols with a bagful of memories and an amazing experience including a Dubai trip and a newly-recorded single called Wasting Time, which she performed live and is already available on most digital platforms.
Yanga and Thato, who Mzansi chose as their finalists for Season 14, also debuted their first-ever singles tonight.
Yanga received a standing ovation from the audience and two of the judges for her deeply emotive performance ofScars (All Over Me), which left Unathi near-tears and calling her “wonderous”. Somizi was happy that she took his advice last week to “not relax” until the competition is over. Randall told her: “You have chosen to be a winner.”
Thato’s single, Blow By Blow, is an up-tempo breakup tune where he seeks to understand what happened to the love. Somizi didn’t think the song suited him but agreed with the other judges that his energy and performance keep drawing people in and make him one of the most likeable contestants on the show.
Their second performance was preceded by lively entertainment courtesy of the vibrant Tsonga rap princess Sho Madjozi, performing her hit Huku.
When the finalists came back for the Theatre Week song, they blessed Mzansi with even more beautiful music. Yanga sang Heaven by Emeli Sande, and Thato’s song was Sam Smith’s I’m Not The Only One.
Tonight, the Idols certainly pushed boundaries as they sang three songs each. Their last performance was Song Of The Season, which they felt was their best. Yanga went with Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart by Alicia Keys. Thato chose If by Davido, closing off the last ever voting show of the season.
Unathi surmised Yanga by calling her a blessing to Mzansi. “Thank you for sharing your gift on music with us, and I’m honoured to have been witness to your greatness.” Somizi said he was a happy man and at peace, and Randall told her “You’ve got it!”
Thato was also showered with great compliments. Randall even did a “zaka zaka; whoo shem!” for him, shortly before Somizi bestowed his own upon him. Unathi said: “You make us fall in love with you; that’s your power. Thank you for your gift!”
Now it’s up to Mzansi to take their favourite over the finish line. Next week promises to be one of the best live finals ever seen on Mzansi television; it’s gonna be LIT!!!
Idols SA season 14 is on Mzansi Magic, DStv Channel 161 on Sundays at 17h00. For more information visit our website: http://www.idolssa.tv
You can also join the Idols SA conversation via social media on… Facebook: Idols South Africa (www.facebook.com/IdolsSA) , Twitter: @IdolsSA #IdolsSA Instagram: @IdolsSA