The Voice South Africa: Rockers and Crooners
After last week’s subdued episode I did not have high hopes for Episode 3 of The Voice South Africa but was pleasantly surprised by some of the talent on display.
I was initially hoping for some Adam Levine/Blake Shelton chemistry from Kahn and Bobby but alas, the only dish being served was some Cee-Lo Brown-ish vibes from Lira who is just too OTT for my liking.
The show saw a handful of hopefuls perform their hearts out for the judges in the hope of claiming a coveted spot on one of the 4 teams.
First to try and impress the judges is 27-year old Sibulele Miti with an unexpected rendition of ‘Knocking on Heaven’s Door’. What an absolutely beautiful and heartfelt performance. All 4 judges hit their buzzers within seconds. The judges deliver their sales pitches and Sibulele joins #TeamLira
Next up is bubbly Chanel Davids from Johannesburg. She has a nice husky tone to her voice. Bobby turns. Karen turns. Bobby dazzles Chanel with his sexy smile and carefully picked words. He gets the girl as Chanel joins #TeamBobby
Abel Knobel looks like a pop star and gives a pretty solid performance of ‘Drops of Jupiter’. He is slightly flat in certain parts of the song but also displays a nice bit of gruff. Bobby hits his buzzer at the last moment and gains another team member.
Next to take to the stage is 45-year old Michelle Moodie. I’m not sure whether ‘Jantjie’ was the right song to audition with as it doesn’t make her seem very relevant in todays’ market but Kahn turns around nonetheless and gains another team member.
Kimberley van der Ventel is no stranger to the stage. The blonde beauty is made to work very hard with both Lira and Bobby turning at the last moment. Lira preaches the typical sermon and it is really no surprise that Kimberley chooses to be on her team.
Martelize Voigt tried her hand at Idols many years ago. She is now all grown up with a beautiful family. Her rendition of ‘Toe Vind Ek Jou’ fails to impress the judges and he journey comes to an end.
Xanilee Hammond hopes to impress the judges with her take on Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believing’. I would have hit my buzzer a lot faster than Bobby did but at least she survives the first round and gets a chance to work with one of the hottest artists in the music industry. Welcome to #TeamBobby Xanilee!
Swimmer turned musician Kelvin Alston is u next with the Prime Circle hit ‘Hello’ He has some nice rocker vibes about him. No one turns. I’m shocked. I liked him.
Richard Stirton wants all 4 judges to turn around so that he can get the pick of the crop. The guy has some serious talent and clearly has all the makings of a rock star. The judges love him. Please pick Kahn! Yes! You are in good hands Richard!
The pimp spot of the night goes to Robin Pieters who has sung backup for Jody Williams and Emo Adams. He impresses with his take on the Whitney Houston classic ‘If I Don’t Have You’. Sales pitches a plenty with Lira bordering on being OTT. This is a no brainer – of course Robin picks Lira.
I have an inkling that both Richard and Robin are going to make it far in the competition. Do you agree? Which performances did you enjoy most?
Tune in next week to Mnet Channel 101 for more of The voice South Africa!
