Age: 23

Location: Johannesburg

Describing herself as awkward and straightforward, one of the things Mpilwenhle has become confident about is her musicality. After spending years honing her sound and gaining more understanding of herself as a musician, Mpilwenhle felt that it was finally time to enter Idols SA.

For years, people told her she could sing, but she didn’t quite believe it until she started singing at church in grade 10. Soon after, she sang in musical groups before deciding to study music.

Her Idols SA journey so far has been quite the experience. “It’s taught me to always be prepared for anything. You have to bring your A-game. It’s showing us flames, but it’s the flames that I like,” she laughs.

Her ultimate musical influence is Whitney Houston, and she also looks up to Yebba, someone whose career she hopes to learn from.

While she’s nervous about the live performances, she’s more thrilled than anything. “I am excited to get on the stage, pour my heart out and leave it on the stage.”