Idols South Africa: Elwira Standili Exit Interview
Anytime a girl with a voice like Elwira’s gets eliminated in 9th place on a talent show like Idols, it’s surprising. The girl can sing.
Similar to her Idol Jennifer Hudson, who herself finished in 7th place on the American counterpart; this certainly does not mean the end. With a voice like Elwira’s, the sky is the limit.
I got to ask her some questions a few hours after her elimination. We talked about her favourite Idols moment, what her debut album would sound like, and her message to her supporters.
Firstly, congratulations on making it this far.
Were you surprised by the results? What were you expecting going into the live show?
Obviously I was hoping for the best but I was preparing myself for the worst. Because the eliminations for this season are so unpredictable, you never know what’s going to happen, so I was getting myself ready for whatever might happen.
Your performance of Christina Aguilera’s “Hurt” last week was a vocal triumph. Do you think the timid response from the judges stifled some votes?
I don’t know, I had a good time on stage, and that’s what I did every time when I got a chance to perform. I had a good time. And whatever the judges’ response might have been, I don’t think it, ja. I think people vote for what they want and ja, my voters have been consistent but I think this time around it just wasn’t enough.
If you could do it all again, what would you do differently?
I don’t know, maybe just work harder. Because I have been working hard, believe me, but just giving just a bit more every time. Like studying my lyrics more, and performing more because they [the judges] have been telling me that hopefully I’m good, but sometimes I just wasn’t present enough or living my lyrics like Randall said a few weeks ago, so I think I would have done that.
What was your favourite moment during your Idols journey?
My favourite moment was my first time on the big stage, singing my song “Style” from Taylor Swift. Because it was my first time on stage and living all that, and being able to experience all that. I think that was the most amazing thing ever.
What would your debut album sound like?
I think a little Gospel mixed with Soul. That’s my sound. I have a huge Gospel background, so Soul mixed with Gospel.
Who is your dream collaborator?
Internationally, it would be Jennifer Hudson.
Jennifer Hudson was 7th on American Idol, so you never know. You could be her.
Ja, you never know, ne [laugh]. So I’m just going to work hard to get there.
Who do you think is going to win this season and why?
I don’t know. I can’t give you a definite answer because I think each and every one of these guys are so amazing and so different, so I think each and every one of them have the potential and the ability to win. Just work hard and stay focused.
What are your immediate plans?
I’m gonna start gigging as soon as possible and then I also wanna record but if people wanna book me they can. Information is on my page ‘Elwira Standili. It’s Kim@thinktheatre.co.za.
One last question.
Do you have a message to all your supporters?
I would like to thank them for all the support throughout this amazing journey I had on Idols, and thanks for supporting me. They didn’t even know who I am, some of them have never even met me before but just for believing in what I can do and my ability, and may God bless them.
