Lungisa. Nosipho. Loyiso. Rethabile. These former Idols contestants prove that merely taking part in Idols can be a career boost – even if one doesn’t win! (As is the case with some of our other famed former contenders, like Shekhinah and Amanda Black).
First up was Lungisa Xhamela from season 11. The first boy to be voted out in the Top 10 that season, he bounced back and won a SAMA earlier this year for Best Soul/R&B Album for his debut ‘My Heart To Your Soul’. He performed a number of tracks from that album and even nodded in tribute to the dearly departed Thami Shobede. And it had you all in the feels.
Cleopatra reminded us of just how competitive season 11 was:
Then it was Nosipho, who made the Top 6 in season 14. Not only did she write the debut single for Idols SA 2019 runner-up Sneziey, ‘Kungumusa’, but she has two tracks out this year that have met with much success, ‘Don’t Kill My Vibe’ and ‘Thembalani’, which she performed to social media acclaim.
She thanked fans and the show following her performance, which channeled Rihanna vibes!
Next up we had Loyiso Gijana, who made the Top 5 in season 11 – when he was just 16! And wow: what a voice he’s grown into! Performing alongside Langa Mavuso, the two took breaths away with the moving ‘Intliziyo’. Here are some of your reactions:
And finally, we got to enjoy season 8 and 9 alumni Rethabile Khumalo, in conjunction with Master KG performing their new hit ‘Ntyilo Ntyilo’. Since her Idols exit, Rethabile has hardly been quiet – last year she featured on summer anthem ‘Umlilo’ alongside DJ Zinhle, and this year she released the well-received ‘Like Mother Like Daughter’ album. Here are your remarks:
So, there you have it – want a job as a singer? Then auditioning for Idols could be a smart move!
Season 16 of Idols SA broadcasts on Sundays at 17:00 on Mzansi Magic Channel 161. Get exclusive updates and a behind the scenes look at all the action right here on our site. Don't forget to join the conversation by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #IdolsSA.