The battle for a spot in "Idols SA"'s top 16 has begun. The 31 avid contestants performed in front of a live audience, forming part of the last of theatre week's test of music. The judges watched on, scoring their performances to decide who remains and who has to bit the dust.
The 31 contestants included the 2 saved guys from elimination, Sandile, and Victor. The two were given a lifeline after forgetting their lyrics, but Unathi felt that they had more to offer and needed a chance to showcase it.
Thanks to Sis Unathi, Victor and Sandile have been offered an #IdolsSA lifeline!
Can they make the most of their second shot?
— Idols South Africa (@IdolsSA) August 12, 2018
Fast forward to the solo performance; Victor's performance was labelled as not being hungry enough, while Somizi said that Sandile was saved by the song and could have done better.
That's exactly how you make the most of a second chance! What a spine-tingling performance by Victor. #IdolsSA
Click for his full performance
— Idols South Africa (@IdolsSA) August 12, 2018
With undoubtedly more pressure than most, Sandile grabbed his second chance with both hands and ran with it! #IdolsSA
Click for his full performance
— Idols South Africa (@IdolsSA) August 12, 2018
Victor's partner in music Sibongiseni, who sang with him at the group stage, was having difficulty memorising her lyrics and that led to her giving a below-par performance. And she was not alone.
Sibongiseni struggled at rehearsal and it showed. Could this be the end of the road for her? #IdolsSA
Click for her full performance
— Idols South Africa (@IdolsSA) August 12, 2018
Majority of the contestants either struggled with their lyrics or were off key while singing the songs. Even "Idols SA" returnee Blessed had a difficult time pushing past her nerves, with Randall commenting that she had her moment to shine and she blew it.
Blessed could have done better I still like her though #IdolsSA pic.twitter.com/tVvsS7dIG0
— #RIPPROKID🇿🇦 (@Sibongile_Dust) August 12, 2018
Contestants who came through with great performances, among others, were 16-year-old Yanga, who constantly gets compared to last year's season 13 winner Paxton Fellies and King B who got himself a standing ovation from the audience and Unathi and Somizi.
Emeli Sande's Heaven may not be the most popular song on the list but the youthful Yanga made it her own and sparked debate about her VS Paxton debate with the judges #IdolsSA
Click for her full performance
— Idols South Africa (@IdolsSA) August 12, 2018
King B breathes new life in to the 1960s classic At Last and has the judges right out of their seats! #IdolsS
— Idols South Africa (@IdolsSA) August 12, 2018
Next week, seasons 14's top 16 will be announced leading to the live shows.