Idols South Africa Recap: We Get the Top 2 We Deserve
Going into last night’s Idols SA Top 2 spectacular, I was pretty sure we’re going to be handed the wrong finalists, as usual, with Mmatema getting the undeserved boot. Luckily, that didn’t happen.
When Proverb stated that only 1.2% of over 11 million votes separated two of the remaining three contestants, again I was pretty sure Mmatema was going to miss out on her rightful spot.
But it was Rhema who received the least votes.
Karabo and Mmatema were announced as the final two. Finally, the Idols SA finale delivered the correct 2 finalists – the 2 most star-worthy contestants, who impressed consistently throughout the season: two very different contestants, but two contestants who have the ability to become superstars in what they do.
Unfortunately, Karabo and Mmatema got saddled with 2 terrible, no good original songs. Yes, they tried to give them commercial, radio friendly tracks, but both of them are much better than the songs they were given. Will it become hit singles? Not if they lose themselves in the process.
Let’s get into the performances.
Round 1: Producers’ choice:
Karabo – “Home” by Michael Buble: B
I thought this would be a slam dunk for Karabo when I initially saw which song they chose for him. Unfortunately, the first part of the song was a tad sleepy. The second half of the song was better vocally, as usual. He takes some time getting into a song, and that hurt him a little here. It was solid, but I didn’t feel the connection until the second half of the song. Karabo got given a song that maybe was a little too safe. Somizi called him the best male vocalist Idols has ever had. We’ve had some very strong guys on Idols throughout its run, so I wouldn’t make a proclamation like that so easily.
Mmatema – “Hello” by Adele: B+
When I saw they gave her the new Adele track, I was scared. It’s such a hard song to perform, the vocals required on this song is a rollercoaster. Mmatema, however, didn’t back down. She started off very well, her lower register probably sounded the best it has this whole season. The chorus wasn’t fantastic, but she more than held her own. If she had more of a connection to the lyrics, this could have gotten to A-grade territory, but it felt like something was missing throughout the choruses – maybe just Adele’s depth of voice in a very tough song. Gareth thought she could have won the competition on that song. Not likely, Gareth.
Round 2: original singles: There will be no grades for the original songs.
Karabo – “Ding Dong”
Firstly, what in the bloody hell is this title of the song? Surely they could think of a better name for a potential Idols winner’s single? Secondly, what a terrible song for him. It didn’t suit Karabo at all, and I don’t see it being a hit. It’s not true to who he is as an artist. Sure, it’s smart to want to release a radio friendly single, but it does not match who he is. Somizi didn’t like it, but Unathi thought it was “sexy and sexual”, which really isn’t Karabo’s forte. Don’t try to make him into a sexy bad boy. It’s definitely not a song he would have chosen for himself.
Mmatema – “Because of You”
Again, not a very good song. This song also didn’t fit Mmatema’s voice. The lyrics in the chorus are cheesy, and just basically meh. I can see why they opted for a girl anthem, but this particular song will never be an anthem. It’s not powerful or big enough in any way. She’s so, so much better than this song. It’s a lazy attempt at a girl’s anthem, but Mmatema performed it well. I’d have to give her the edge based on her ability to sell her original song more.
Round 3: showstopper reprisals: Good!
Karabo – “Blame” by Calvin Harris: B+
Showstopper week was a great week for both finalists, so getting to end the night on a high is good for both of them. I did think the first time he performed the song it was slightly better, though. Here, Karabo’s lower register wasn’t as great during the verses, but the choruses were good, and it again showed that he’s actually a surprisingly good mover. He can get down, no doubt. He performed the hell out of the song, and the crowd responded to that. His original single should have been something in the vein of this song – much, much better. He did get the response a winner should get, and he might have cemented his victory here, although he probably already won regardless.
Mmatema – “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston: A-
Ah, this was a superstar performance when she first performed it. It was everything. I was basically salivating at the thought of seeing this awesome performance again. She didn’t disappoint the second time around either. The performance encapsulates everything that makes Mmatema who she is: a beautiful superstar. At least she was able to end the night on a great note, with the best performance of the night, similar to last week.
Who will take the crown: Karabo
Who should take the crown: Mmatema, based on everything showcased during all 3 rounds.
What did you think? Are you as happy with the 2 finalists as I am? Who will be crowned the winner next week? Let us know!
