THE Idols SA's farewell season 19 live show started on Saturday evening, 19 August in Fairland, Joburg.
It kicked off with the top 12 women contestants showing Mzansi why they made it through to the stage.
Hosting the show for over a decade was co-executive producer Prover, who was joined by season 19 judges Somizi Mhlongo, JR and Thembi Seete, who were in glitz and glamour.
The ladies unleashed their talents with duets with former Idol SA contestants.
Lungile Mthethwa opened the show singing Not yet Uhuru by Letta Mbulu with season 14 winner Yanga.
She then gave a rendition of Lloyiso and Langa Mavuso’s Ntliziyo.
Somizi said that was a great way to start the show.
“I am glad you were given two songs because it is a lot of pressure starting the show. You were nervous in the beginning, but the second song redeemed you to the core. Now I am going to remember you.”
Thembi said she loves her tone.
“You are so clear. Well done. Beautiful and powerful way to start the show,” she said.
JR agreed with Somizi about how hectic starting the show is, but he said that Lungile did well.
ALSO READ: Makhadzi unleashes new talent!
Next on the stage singing a duet of her song Make a Way, Mmatema was joined on stage by Nickiey.
She followed with solo rendition of Zonke’s Intliziyo.
Thembi said she enjoyed the chemistry between Mmatema and Nickiey.
“You have a voice don’t be scared relax and enjoy yourself.”
JR said both performances were outstanding.
Somizi said she can win it if she wants to.
Neve partnered with season 13 winner Paxton singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Judy Garland.
She followed with a solo performance of Madison Ryann’s Mirrors.
JR said the effort was there, but he wasn’t that impressed.
“I was very underwhelmed, and I could hear the nerves. What I am getting right now is very karaokesh,” he said.
Somizi also wasn’t impressed.
“I feel both songs you were supposed to take them a bit higher. In the first time in the history of men I agree with JR,” he said.
Thembi said that she likes her voice.
“What stands out is the quality of your voice. You have a soothing powerful voice,” she said.
Lungelo partnered with Karabo Mathe, the season 17 runner-up. They sang Karabo’s new single, Safe, launching it on the show.
She followed with her solo performance of Jill Scott's Golden.
Her performance made the crowd go crazy and even Somizi stood up and danced along to the performance.
He said that he felt like he was at a concert. He even gave his first whoo shame of the live show.
JR said that Lungelo’s first performance wasn’t impressive.
Sena partnered with season 11 Top 5 finalist Lloyiso, singing his song Lonely Without You.
She followed with an upbeat performance that the judges loved.
Thembi said dynamites come in small packages.
“You have been outstanding, stop worrying about your voice; it is there,” she said.
JR said her performance was good.
“You are a Ronaldo,” he said.
Somizi said if Sena doesn’t make it to the top 10 he is going to be a straight man.
Season 9 winner Musa did a duet rendition of his hit song, Xolele with Princess.
Princess closed off the show with her solo performance of Russian Roulette by Rihanna.
JR said the first song was amazing.
“You are a powerhouse vocalist, and I can’t wait to hear more of you,” he said.
Somizi said she pulled a trigger.
“This is the performance of the night and you deserve a whooo shame,” he said.
Thembi said she is anointed.
“The attitude and presence that you have, don’t lose it. This was a beautiful performance,” she said.
Next Saturday the guys will be doing their duets with the previous Idol’s contestants.
