Idols South Africa Recap: We Got Some Stars!
Mmatema, Loyiso, Karabo, and Amanda made last night’s edition of Idols South Africa quite possibly the strongest Showstopper Week we’ve ever had.
I’ve never been fully convinced by the Showstopper theme since very few contestants in the past have actually delivered real knockout performances. Maybe one or two each year since its debut, but it was never impressive.
Last night was on the brink.
My first clear A grade of the season goes to Mmatema.
Mmatema delivered a performance that proved why she is quite possibly the best female contestant Idols has ever had. Her performance encapsulated everything she is: a classic vocalist but still a very relevant 2015 star. Amanda opened the night with a bang, Loyiso gave a great vocal performance, and even Karabo closed the show with a performance I didn’t think he had in him. He got down!
But, the night had to have had a downer of course. As usual, that was the results. When a big fuss was made over the boys vs the girls, and two girls being knocked out of the competition the past 2 weeks, it was clear that a guy was leaving this week. I was desperately hoping it was Siphelele.
But no.
When the three remaining girls were pronounced safe, followed by Karabo, Loyiso, and Rhema, it was clear that Lungisa was going home, and Siphelele was going to survive another week. He’ll probably survive another week on Sunday.
Yes, we were indeed blessed with another Siphelele performance. Surely, he ranks as the worst Top 7 finalist we’ve had, with not ONE good vocal performance thus far. Next week he’ll make that the worst Top 6 finalist we’ve ever had.
Enough with the shit, let’s get to the good stuff.
Amanda – “Forget You” by CeeLo Green: B+
The bluesy opening to the performance was fantastic. Vocally, I loved it. When the beat kicked in, things got a little messy, though. But she managed to pull it all together again. The intro was brilliant, and some parts were stronger than others. Some of the lyrics got swallowed throughout the commotion, but the vocals were strong. Her performance: on point. She performed the hell out of it, and looked good doing it. Randall thinks another guy will be going home next week, but unfortunately, I don’t think Amanda has the support. She deserves to stay another couple of weeks.
Rhema – “Fine China” by Chris Brown: B-
His performance was not showstopper. Not even close. He just stood there for most of the performance, half-heartedly trying to show us that he has some dangerous soul, or star quality. He tried, at least, but it was a fail. Shoot and a miss as they say. The vocals were solid, it always is. He sounded good. The crowd loved it; they didn’t want to shut up. Gareth called it “old school”. Yes, Rhema is old school. That’s the problem. This was the week he should have shown his range, and he didn’t. Somizi was on point, it wasn’t showstopper. Randall said the vocals aren’t enough, and in a week like this, it is not.
Mmatema – “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston: A
This was a smart move. Taking a song everybody knows, starting it out like the original, and then ripping off that stunning red dress and showing off her great look, taking the 80’s classic into 2015. Taking a classic Whitney track and getting down and dirty with it. Her vocals, her moves, her look, everything was on fire. The performance basically comprised of everything Mmatema has to offer, from looking like a stunning diva in a red dress, to going down like a pop star. Bravo. Somizi called her a “superstar” and I must agree. She is a superstar. Unathi thinks she probably will be in the Top 2. If she is not, this show must end. Please.
Siphelele – “Somandla” by Mpumi: B-
Based on what I heard alone, this was probably the best he has sounded. Except maybe for the first verse, the lower register was off. Vocally, he was the best he has been. His performance still isn’t natural, though, but it was rather a big improvement. His vocal wasn’t as good as Rhema’s, but his performance was more showstopper, and he worked harder to improve. I agree with Somizi again, it was hard for me to critique the performance too, and yes, it will probably pay off. He’ll survive another week.
Loyiso – “Don’t Look Down” by Martin Garrix: A-
Damn, this kid is a star. The vocals were on point, sir! That said, he picked the least known song of the seven, and it’s possibly the hardest song to perform. Martin Garrix is no Calvin Harris when it comes to radio hits. But Loyiso pulled it out like a professional. More than that, he’s young and fresh, and he takes risks. He’s an all around star, this guy. Gareth thinks he’s vulnerable, and the song probably does make him vulernable. Unathi thought the performance was incredible. Randall said Loyiso has what others don’t, and that is charm. Charm is what makes stars. Randall, please sign this kid!
Dineo – “One Last Time” by Ariana Grande: C
She certainly received the best entrance of the night. Pity it was the worst performance of the night. It was quite flat. The verses were troubling, more speaking than singing. It never really got going for me, stuck in second gear. I expected more since I always considered her more of a big stage performer, but this fell flat. Gareth said there were too many flat notes, and joined me in disappointment. Somizi, once again, on point with his judgment: based on this, she should go home. She won’t, though. She is not on the level of Amanda or Loyiso, yet she’ll still make it farther in the competition.
Karabo – “Blame” by Calvin Harris ft. John Newman: B+
This was much better than I thought it was going to be. I wasn’t sold on the lower register, but other than that, this was really good. He got down way more than I thought he could! I want him pick his songs like this from now on: more up tempo and current. The crowd went insane, the loudest reaction of the night. Somizi said he stole Mmatema’s ‘performance of the night’ honours (I don’t agree), Unathi thought he stopped the show, and Randall wants to hear more pure vocals like that on today’s dance music. A Karabo and Mmatema showdown seems inevitable, but like I keep saying, we know who the majority has picked as their Idol already, and it’s this guy.
Should go home: Dineo (based purely on Showstopper Week)
Will go home: Amanda
Were you as impressed by the night as I was? Who will be going home on Sunday? Make your voices heard!
