Meet the Top 9 Idols SA season 18 finalists

South Africa’s biggest singing competition, Idols SA, announced its top 9 finalists at the Hatfield Arena on its latest episode, heralding a phase that is expected to be more challenging for contestants. Last Sunday, the top 10 contestants performed tracks from Spotify’s “Soulful Sundays” playlist. Every participant worked hard, and they gave their best performances.

As usual, the lights were dimmed, the votes were already in, and Mzansi’s decision was made. The contestants who qualified to be in the top 9 are:

1. Kabelo
2. Noxolo
3. Mpilwenhle
4. Ceejay
5. Tesmin-Robyn
6. Ty Loner
7. Nozi
8. Thapelo
9. Zee

Sadly Lerato Matsabu kissed goodbye to Idols SA as she failed to secure enough votes from Mzansi to push her into the top 9. Lerato had a melodious voice and Idols SA host ProVerb pointed out that they wish her the best in her future endeavours. She did her last farewell to her co-contestants in a peaceful way and exited the show joining Hope and Nandi, who was exiled from the top 12.

Idols SA Season 18 top 9 finalists

The songs staged on the current episode of Idols SA fall under the theme “South African Classics”. The top 9 competitors got the memo right and delivered their best.

Noxolo

Noxolo ushered the magic to the late Joe Mafela’s song Shebeleza leaving Mzansi impressed with her vocal skills. All the judges were impressed by her performance and assured her that Bra Joe must be turning in his grave after this performance. She was the first contestant to be announced among the Idols SA season 18 this evening.

Kabelo

Second, to be announced was Kabelo, and soon after his performance, he was already trending on social media. Kabelo performed”Ekuseni” by Ringo Madlingozi.

Mpilwenhle

She is a superstar and mopped the floor with her live performance of “Nomalanga” by Caiphus Semenya. However, her performance did not impress Bogopa JR, and he encouraged her to do better next time.

Ceejay

As of late, he is Thembi Seete’s favourite contestant, and he didn’t disappoint today. Ceejay performed “Send Me”, the iconic hit by Hugh Masekela.

Tesmin-Robyn

The star was shocked when she heard her name announced as one of the top 9 contestants. She performed “Siyaya Phambili” by Stimela. Her performance was ok, and the judges encouraged her to pull up her socks as the competition was not for jokes.

Ty Loner

He is the youngest competitor, but he brings fireworks each time he is on stage. Ty Loners sang “Scatterlings Od Africa” by Jonny Clegg and Juluka, and he stirred some nostalgia.

Nozi

She top trended last Sunday after killing the song of Jennifer Hudson’s “Giving Myself”. Mzansi was waiting patiently for her performance today, and she did not disappoint. Nozi performed the “Nizalwa Ngobani” by King Thandiswa Mazwai. Nozi received a shout-out from Thandiswa who went on Twitter and applauded the contestant for performing her hit song.

Haven’t seen the performance but big love to Nozi for singing my song

-Thandiswa Mazwai

Thapelo

Thapelo executed “Papa” by Sankomota. His staging moved Bogopa JR, and he is happy with how Thabelo’s skills have improved since he joined Idols SA. It was a relief to Thapelos fans when his name was declared among the top 9 contestants.

Zee

Lastly announced was Zee, who brought all the fantasy to the stage when she performed “Mama I’m Sorry” by the late legendary Brenda Fassie. Her performance was outstanding, but the judges said there was room for improvement.