South Africa’s premier talent competition is heating up as two hopefuls sadly exited on Sunday (11 September), leaving the Idols SA top 10 contestants to battle it out for another week.
It was the end of the road for Johannesburg-based Nandi Ndathane and Pietermaritzburg-based Hope Mkhway in Season 18 – but the door is always open in future seasons.
‘Idols SA’ top 10 contestants
Following the departure of Nandi and Hope, the following are the remaining Idols SA top 10 contestants:
- Mpilwenhle Mokopu
- Ty Loner
- Thapelo Malome
- CeeJay Canvas
- Kabelo Makhetha
- Zee Arnolds
- Nozi Sibiya
- Lerato Matsabu
- Noxolo Mthethwa
- Tesmin-Robyn
Getting to the top 10 comes with some sizeable prizes no matter what happens next. These prizes include R5,000 in a MyMo account and access to a mentorship programme from Standard Bank.
Others include R5,000 from Mzansi Magic, R5,000 from Spotify, fashion vouchers worth R5,000 from Truworths and R15,000 worth of musical equipment.
How contestants performed
The competition will only get tougher from here, but the contestants showed on Sunday that they have what it takes. Mpilwenhle, for instance, impressed the judges with a soulful rendition of Amanda Black’s Kahle.
Thembi Seete told the 23-year-old talent, “You stayed in your vocals, you became so focused and so aware of your movements. The most important thing is this is a music show; this is a talent show. You didn’t lose a beat one moment, you stayed with your voice, and I enjoyed you.”
Thapelo also impressed the judges with his performance of Celine Deon’s All By Myself, as did fan favourite Ty, who sang Lloyd Cele’s ballad Thando.
“I think you chose a song great for your voice. I think you chose that is perfect for your style and I’m happy. I can sleep tonight,” veteran judge Somizi told Ty.