Sunday night's episode was the final judgment of the 31 contestants all seeking to be the next South African Idol. Only 16 of them would join the live performances where Mzansi gets to judge their weekly performances until only one remains.
After the gruelling theatre week of group stage, solo auditions and unprecedented twists, here are your final 16.
Twenty-two-year-old Niyaaz was the first to be announced as being in the top 16.
The singer from the Western Cape had auditioned for the show six years and made it through to Theatre week four times to be judged into the top 16.
Sixteen-year-old Nosipho from Durban was the second to be called up.
The only way the youngster exposed herself to singing was through posting videos online before deciding to enter the competition.
. @TelkomZA came through with the connect so our #IdolsSA Top 16 could tell you how they were feeling in their own words! https://t.co/Zfxp2aL4M1
@TelkomZA, bringing you closer to your Idols pic.twitter.com/3Vki7tq4BK
— Idols South Africa (@IdolsSA) August 19, 2018
Darlene, 21, the freelance performer from Gauteng was also in and said she is looking forward to performing for the hundreds of people on the live shows.
Another outstanding performer King B, who got Unathi and Somizi on their feet after his final solo performance, also made the top 16. Randall was convinced after the solo performance that people will love him and Twitter certainly celebrated.
From sales lady to being in the top 16 is Bongiwe, 23, from Mpumalanga, her young singer says she looks up to Tasha Cobbs when it comes to singing.
Victor and Sandile, who both came out victorious after being saved from elimination by Unathi, were through to the top 16. The two contestants were overwhelmed by the save just a couple of episodes ago and they promised not to disappoint Unathi's faith in them. Promise kept. Twenty-two-year-old Lincoln filled up a spot as well.
We were introduced to the singer in the Western Cape, with his story of support and sacrifice.
Season 9 winner Musa Sekwene's neighbour Ntokozo, 18, was also in alongside, Wattamelon, 18, Mnqobi, 21 from Mpumalanga and Mthokozisi, 19, from Umlazi Durban, Thando, 19, Yanga, 16, Xae, 19, and Thato, 23, who journeyed for 1 250km from his hometown of Postmasburg (in the Northern Cape) right down to Cape Town.
You never know what @Somizi has up his sleeve! He almost gave #IdolsMnqobi and #IdolsThato a heart attack but they're through to the #IdolsSA Top 16! Watch this epic prank again here: https://t.co/nq00jhhjnf pic.twitter.com/VQUntz0DYI
— Idols South Africa (@IdolsSA) August 19, 2018
Next week the real competition begins with live shows.