THE battle for the final Idols SA winner has started.
This week, the season 19 Top 12 gents came with guns blazing on stage.
The second live show on Saturday, 26 August saw the men throw their hats in the ring for a place in the final-ever top 10.
Just like their female counterparts did last week, the guys collaborated with former Idols SA winners and finalists for stunning duets.
Five guys and five girls will make up the top 10 which will be announced next week, and will be chosen entirely by viewers’ votes.
First to take the stage was Thando, who teamed up with Idols SA season 11 winner Karabo to sing his track, Khakhati.
Judges JR Bogopa and Somizi Mhlongo commented that it was a “good way to start the show".
Next up was Faith, whose duet was with season 14 winner Yanga Sobetwa, singing Hillsong’s So Will I. His solo performance was Bhudaza’s Tjontjobina, earning praise from all judges.
Marking the halfway point of the show was Nkosi. He teamed up with season 9 winner Musa for his track Wozala, before going at it alone on Nathi’s Imimoya.
ALSO READ: Dr Nandipha's in 'deep talks with God'!
JR said: “I can’t fault this performance. Both songs were clinically executed.”
Somizi agreed, declaring: “Even if you don’t win, I will invest my last cent to record you.”
Next was Envic, who collaborated with season 13 winner Paxton on her track Battleground. He went solo on James Brown’s A Man’s World, earning a standing ovation from the audience and judges.
“You are show business," said Somizi.
Next was Sipho, who sang with season 15’s Lloyiso on his hit Seasons. His solo song was Don’t Judge Me by Chris Brown.
The judges advised Sipho to embrace his “uniqueness”, with JR being impressed by both performances.
Wrapping up the show was Thabo, who collaborated with season 11’s Mmatema on her track, My Time Is Now.
For his solo track, he took on Stevie Wonder’s Signed, Sealed, Delivered, which had the judges and audience on their feet.
Somizi summed it up by saying: “Signed, sealed, delivered, it’s yours. You deserve a ‘whoo-shem!’”
