The Voice South Africa Episode 2: Marissa Steals The Show!
FINALLY! Episode 1 of Season 2 of The Voice South Africa (Ok so last week was technically the first episode but we didn’t get to see any talent so it didn’t really count)
The episode starts with Kahn in super-tight white pants belting out ‘Push Me to the Floor’. That was hot! Lira follows dressed like a very sexy disco ball and Bobby once again makes all the ladies swoon. Toemaar Bobby, my hart behoort aan jou ook!
Karen opted for an English song but by this time I was frantically looking for changes to the set because I honestly did not notice anything different from last time around.
Let’s get to the talent!
First up we have 23-year old Bubbles from Durban. She is cute as a button and has tons of spunk. She is a self-proclaimed wedding singer and her mom designs most of her clothes. This girl knows how to perform! Lira, Kahn and Bobby all turn their chairs and Bobby is first to turn the charm on. I was hoping she would choose Kahn but Bubbles joins #TeamLira.
Luke ‘Yes That Is My Surname’ Lovemore takes to the stage next. The newlywed is also originally from Durban and his Dad is his biggest supporter (Am I the only one thinking his dad looks more like he could be his brother?). Luke has a semi-famous best friend – Season 1 Winner, Richard Stirton. The guy has some big shoes to fill! Luke has a pleasant rock-ish voice, nice gruff and all. This was not the right song for him. Lira & Kahn turn, Luke joins #TeamLira
Another Durbanite, Freddy, is up next. He left his job as a stock-taker to focus on his music career. He has a nice backstory involving death in the family and emotional and financial instability. He seems like a really cool guy. This is the most unusual rendition of ‘Riptide’ I have ever heard. He has a very interesting voice although I don’t quite know what to make of it. Freddy joins #TeamKahn
Martin van Staden might look like the perfect fit for #TeamBobby but has his heart set on joining Karen’s team. Sadly no chairs are turned after his rather lackluster performance and Martin is sent home.
Aston Wylie looks terribly familiar. Perhaps he reminds me of Idols alumni Pieter West from a few seasons back. His rendition of Ellie Goulding's ‘Love Me Like You Do’ is very emotional albeit a bit flat in places. His tone is rich and beautiful. Lira practically spins in her chair and gains another team member.
Next up we have Kelly Massyn from Cape Town. She looks absolutely terrified and has very little self-confidence. I really want her to do well but a bad song choice coupled with poor articulation leaves her standing without a chair being turned. My heart breaks for this girl and even Karen sheds a tear. There is always next year Kelly!
Rick Jansen broke his neck in 3 places in 2014. He looks like a hip boy-bander and is sure to rake in the teenage girl vote should he make it that far in the competition. He took a risk with his song choice and it paid off. Bobby turns his chair and Rick officially becomes a part of Season 2 of The Voice.
Kirby Jo takes to the stage next with an off-beat rendition of ‘Man in the Mirror’. She gets off to a wonky start but Kahn can smell talent and turns his chair. The girl has a strong voice but will have to set herself apart from the other divas that are bound to be in the competition. Kirby joins #TeamKahn
The last contestant of the night is Marissa Petzer, who also happens to be dating none other than Almur ‘Stillfontein’ Marais. I LOVE this girl! How did she not make it any further in the competition last season? She is very edgy and displays some power-house vocals. Did you hear that glory note at the end? Pure magic! What a way to end the night! Kahn and Karen turn their chairs right away with Bobby and then Lira following suite. Marissa has no idea how good she really is. She follows in Almur’s footsteps and
joins #TeamKaren
If it wasn’t for Marissa I would have felt extremely underwhelmed by tonight’s show. I’m not too concerned though as the producers are known to save the best for last.
How would you rate tonight’s show? Who were your favorite contestants of the night?
Tune in next week for more astounding talent brought to you exclusively by The Voice South Africa!