Idols SA channels international icons
THIS season of Idols SA has some kinda voodoo going on. It s as if international stars souls have
’ been taken over by five of the top 7, writes Tina George-Gogwana.
Win or lose, Terra Cox, Keegan Martin, Noma Khumalo, Thami Shobede and Bevin Samuels are already made.
Our undeniable favourite Terra has to date not faltered on the Idols stage.
The insanely talented singer has delivered every song thrown at him with fire and yet so effortlessly. His performance of Michael Jackson s
’ Will You Be There moved Unathi to tears and saw Somizi run up onto the stage to hug the contestant.
The 28-year-old from Eden Park, Alberton, left the judges speechless, while Gareth Cliff managed to utter: You
“are truly unbelievable. How did we wait for so long to meet you?”
The resident performer at the upmarket Grillhouse restaurant in Rosebank, Johannesburg, has an incredible voice, like Prince and Maxwell wrapped up in one. He can even channel Tevin Campbell to El De Barge with his deep, rough tones belting high notes. The adorable Noma has surprised us all. Gaining more confidence week in and week out, she has that Adele thing going on.
Who can forget her show-stopping performance of Jennifer Hudson s And I ’ m
’ Telling You I ’ m Not Going in Idols Theatre Week.
Ever since the student teacher belted out those soulful notes we knew her place was secured as a firm favourite who can book her berth in the finale.
The 22-year-old from Pietermaritzburg, KZN, who hopes to land a recording deal will be around the scene for a while.
Another consistent favourite is Keegan, who has done backing vocals for gospel artists Nqubeko Mbatha and Ntokozo Mbambo. After three failed attempts on Idols, the fourth time has been the lucky charm for this young singer. The Marvin Gaye of falsettos, Keegan surprised us with his rendition of Nguwe by Ntando. He showed off his versatility with his multilingual talent, a plus in the industry. The 23-year-old from Welkom, Free State, should stick to being sexy and work it like Teddy Pendergrass whose sultry moves and voice he embodies. We nearly thought it was the end of the road for Thami when he had forgotten his lyrics a few weeks ago but the soulful singer came back in full force and proved why he s ’ still in the game. His high-energy performance of Stevie Wonder s Signed, Sealed, ’ Delivered had the crowd on their feet chanting his name. This past week performing Ne-Yo s Closer ’ was a perfect fit as he sounded and looked just like the star himself. We think he dances even better than the Let Me Love You hitmaker. The youngest contestant on the show, Bevin from Port Elizabeth, is our very own Chris Brown. The 19-year-old has taken a gap year to pursue his music career and he s on ’ the right track. With those bad-boy looks, the singer has the full package and is likely to snap up a modelling contract if not a singing contract.