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Parents’ High School Crush – Idols SA

News
23 September 2022
Some music never gets old – it simply ages like fine wine. Consider this week’s Idols’ song choices: more likely associated with the contenders’ parents, they still sound super fresh and relevant. Here’s the rundown.
Idols stage 2

CeeJay: Mafikizolo – Mas’Thokoze

Under the guidance of Oskido and the Kalawa Jazmee team, Mafikizolo revolutionised kwaito. This, from a little later in their career, exemplifies their class: downtempo, vocal rich, lush – a suitable challenge for the talented CeeJay and the Idols backing vocalists.

Kabelo: Luther Vandross – Here and Now

Never met anyone who dislikes Luther Vandross – and here’s why: soul incarnate. It’s also a slow, string thing, with a big chorus and plenty of dynamics, including a nifty change of pace, it exemplifies Luther’s supreme vocal skill – Kabelo will do well to follow in these huge shoes.

Mpilwenhle: Mariah Carey – Hero

If anyone can pull Mariah Carey off, it’s Mpilwenhle, but this sure ain’t no walk in the park: it’s one of her iconic cuts. And it’s relentless – verse to chorus, it’s huge, and hugely recognizable. Any missteps will be highly scrutinised.

Noxolo: Natalie Cole – Miss You Like Crazy

What a hook – and another huge number. Sentiment in this song is sky high, and the singing is stellar – no wonder is sticks out like a sore thumb in the pantheon of pop music. There’s plenty of room for a fresh arrangement too – Nox should slay.

Nozi: Natalie Cole – The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

No ways this song is 40 years old. Pure class from Natalie Cole, delivered with dynamism and an arrangement that simply slays. Heartfelt – and that haircut. Nozi has some serious class to live up to.

Tesmin-Robyn: Aaliyah – At Your Best (You Are Love)

Any doubt Aaliyah would have been the biggest R&B star on planet earth at this stage? Not here. Ignore R Kelly: she’s a positive motivating force on this lush number, and that’s before she even hit her proper stride. Always missed: Tesmin-Robyn has big shoes to fill.

Thapelo: The Beatles – Let It Be

It doesn’t get more iconic than this: the band that revolutionised music, on a tear. An opportunity for the band, backing vocalists and Thapelo to sink or swim – we suspect the latter.

Ty Loner: New Edition – Can You Stand The Rain

The only impediment for a loner? Three different voices. (Or is it five?) A new edition of New Edition would crack everything wide open – this is a rich piece of sentimental soul.

Zee: UB40 – (I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You

Alongside Bob Marley, UB40 took reggae into the pop charts. This – a cover of Elvis – raised them to the pinnacle. Seemingly simple, it’s actually layers, and could trip up the most accomplished singer – so how you feeling, Zee?