Things heated up as “hell week” drew to an explosive close on Saturday’s episode of Idols SA. During the second week of Theatre Week, the contestants were tasked with collaborating on duet performances.
Each pair was supplied with a famous duet from a list of carefully curated songs that gave both singers the opportunity to showcase their pipes. They were expected to nail that while complementing their collaborator in front of the judges.
In the week leading up to the big day, the pairs spent their time rehearsing. This was important. For one, failure to recall lyrics during a performance is an offence that has been known to cost even the most talented contestants their spot in the competition. Not only that but rehearsals also allow the dreamers to cultivate the chemistry required to pull off a believable duet, all while staying harmonising on key.
The contestants also got the opportunity to be mentored by some of the country’s most established incumbents. The list included Jamali’s Mariechan, who coached the pairs as they found their edge around the pop group’s major hit, ‘Love Me For Me’.
The pairs also received advice from Zano Urban and Margate Motsage, who helped the pairs to showcase their talent without competing as they sang. When it came to the duets during Theatre Week, the hopefuls are expected to skilfully cement their place in the next round without trying to drown and outshine their partner.
Some pairs nailed their performances, leaving the judges in awe and the viewers raving. The winning pairs proceeded to the next round, where they will have to avoid a major chop ahead of the looming live shows. The likes of Faith and Nkosi, Princess and Kenki, Envic and Llanda, and Thando and Toby Dee.
Unfortunately, some pairs choked and found themselves going home. Phumlani and Jay M struggled to recreate the magic they mastered during the rehearsals. The price they paid was to go home. Olutheren and Andrea clashed for most of the performance, but the latter managed to salvage her lows. Olutheren went home along with a slew of contestants having been given their marching orders.
Twitter reacted to the emotionally charged episode.
Envic and Llanda delivered a showstopper that both ended the show and garnered praise.
Faith and Nkosi wowed many with their near-perfect performances. The only critique from Somizi was that the pair didn’t make enough contact with the judges, and they got a little lost in performing for each other
Jay M and Phumlani threw each other under the bus afterwards. That is no way to collaborate.
Overall, the vocals were giving.
The contestants who survived one of the toughest weeks of Idols SA, will now be showcasing their individual flair as solo acts in a week that will see a sweeping round of eliminations.
Idols SA airs every Saturday at 18:00 on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161), thereafter on Mzansi Wethu at 19:30.
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