The Voice SA: From Opera to Abs
After a rather impressive premiere last week Episode 2 of The Voice South Africa proved to be a bit of a let-down. There was some pretty good talent on display but overall I did not feel as satisfied as I did last week. Perhaps I am simply expecting too much from a show that is still thoroughly enjoying its infancy. I must however give credit to Bobby's spectacular abs which were without a doubt the highlight of the evening!
First to take to the stage was Eden Myrrh with a completely reworked version of Sia’s ‘Chandelier’. She has a beautiful tone to her voice but struggled with her diction during the opening lines of the song. Just when it seemed that Eden’s talent has gone unnoticed both Kahn and Karen hit their buzzers and presented some pretty nifty sales pitches. Kahn triumphs over Karen and Eden joins his team.
A lot of tears and quite the emotional speech from Nontu X before she even hits the stage. She delivers with an emotional rendition of the hit song ‘Weeping’ and Karen calls her ‘the sweetest thing ever to come from Empangeni’. The blonde rocker is also the only judge to turn her chair and Nontu joins #TeamKaren
Next up is 23-year old opera singer, Johan Anker. At first I was not convinced that this is the correct platform for him but after bravely choosing to sing one of the most over-sung talent show songs, Johan impresses with a beautiful rendition of ‘Hallelujah’. Both Kahn and Lira turn their chairs and Johan settles for #TeamKahn.
Andrew Massey was a member of the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir and has recently released an album with his Jazz band. He hopes to impress the judges with his take on the Kings of Leon hit ‘Use Somebody’ but fails to turn a chair. I would have liked to see more of him but, alas, it was not meant to be.
Next to sing for the judges is Zè Briel from Pretoria. At first she seems to be just another Afrikaans poppie seeking stardom but soon quietens even the biggest skeptic with her beautiful and unusual voice. She was hoping to impress both Kahn and Karen and does exactly that, finally choosing to be a part of #TeamKahn
Is Bobby’s buzzer working? He was very quick to turn last week. Perhaps he is just teasing the audience in that tight t-shirt of his!
Another Idols alumni, Jono Grayson takes to the stage next with a soulful rendition of ‘Aint No Sunshine’. He has grown a lot as an artist and shows definite potential. Karen agrees and spins around in her chair. Jono is on #TeamKaren
Handsome Austin Lurring is up next with the Maroon Five hit ‘Sunday Morning’. He has a very nice tone and some definite star potential but needs to work on his pronunciation. Bobby turns around right away but Austin eventually chooses Lira as his mentor.
Am I the only one expecting a wardrobe malfunction from Lira at any moment?
Tulla Eckhart is a seasoned performer and takes to the stage with Ella Henderson’s ‘Ghost’. I would not rate her as the best vocalist we have seen thus far but she definitely displays signs of being a good performer. Bobby, Karen and Kahn turn around and Tulla opts to be on the team of her old school-mate Karen.
Catherine Slater is an industrial sales rep who put her music on hold for 3 years after a personal tragedy. She is a serious rocker with a strong voice. I like her tenacity. No chairs are turned and the judges point out her shortcomings. I don’t think we have seen the last of Catherine yet – somewhere, somehow she is bound to have a career in music.
The next hopeful to take to the stage is Clemour. He has Ruben Studdard written all over him. After a smooth rendition of ‘Let’s Get It On’ Clemour finds himself on #TeamKahn.
Tonight’s pimp spot belongs to bubbly Lana Crowster who is as infatuated with Bobby’s abs as we are. I’m not convinced that ‘Uptown Funk’ was the smartest song choice for her but she delivers with great personality and stage presence. Every woman’s dream becomes her reality when Bobby tells her ‘I want you’ and Lana becomes the third member of #TeamBobby.
With 2 episodes concluded #TeamKahn has 5 members as does #TeamKaren with both #TeamLira and #TeamBobby sitting on 3 members each.
Turn in next week for more talent and turmoil when The Voice South Africa returns to Mnet Channel 101!
