In a jaw-dropping result that sent
shockwaves in homes and on social media across the country, one of the
contestants marked for the Top Three was sent home.
Keegan Martin, 24, was the surprise
contestant who did not get his share of viewers’ votes to keep him on Idols. A
judges’ favourite – of whom Randall Abrahams once declared “it ain’t over ‘till
Keegan sings” – Keegan’s exit solidified that there’s nothing predictable about
Idols SA.
Reacting to Keegan’s exit, Unathi
Msengana explained: “It’s been hard to predict what South Africa wants. It’s
such a tumultuous and emotional time. Everyone who is here right now deserves
to be here; Keegan deserves to be here.”
But the show must go on, and for the
first time this season the contestants had to perform two songs chosen by
viewers.
Tebogo’s chosen tunes were Intliziyo by
Nathi and These Arms by All 4 One.
Lucia sang A Couple of Forevers by
Chrisette Michelle and at Last by Etta James.
Thami performed Etta James’ All I Could,
as well as Sand Castles by Beyoncé.
Bevin started with Can We Talk by Tevin
Campbell and followed up with Diamonds by Rihanna. Terra Cox’s picks were
Celine Dion’s It’s All Coming Back to Me and Sia’s Alive. Bringing up the rear
was Noma with Karabo’s Ngifuna Lo and Jennifer Hudson’s Giving Myself to You. After
the first song, three of the four judges declared Thami the forerunner of the
evening after his emotive Etta James heartbreaker song. And in another first
this season, Terra received a thumbs down from two judges. Tonight was proving
to be a race like no other so far.The second round of songs saw Tebogo receive
positive comments all round, with Somizi Mhlongo not only complimenting the dreadlocked
singer’s voice but also his “tight” pants.
Another contestant who received rave
reviews was Lucia, whose new curly golden added star quality to her already
star look and dazzling voice.
Gareth Cliff predicted that Thami will
be South Africa’s own Luther Vandross in a decade or two. Bevin
was declared a “popstar” by Randall, who complimented him on being able to work
with the energy of the crowd. Gareth said he had smacked his performance out
the ballpark. Terra Cox’s second performance was his
saving grace. Somizi reiterated that he was the best vocalist on Idols, and
Gareth said he had shut the show down. Noma closed the Top
Six show with a powerful performance, and received some advice from the judges
to stop retreating into herself. The confidence she had shown on stage a couple
of weeks ago seems to be waning, according to the judges’ comments, who advised
her to reclaim her space in the spotlight again.
Next week, one more contestant will be
leaving to make way for the Top Five. It’s now crunch time, so if you want to
see your favourite, get those thumbs working!
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