Idols SA contestant quits after twin eliminated

Viggie survived the elimination on Sunday and was expected to compete against Micayla Oelofse, Luyolo Yiba, Nolo Seodisha and Sneziey Msomi at SAST on 27 October.

Following Viggie's withdrawal from the competition, Idols SA said the remaining contenders would perform with no elimination this coming Sunday.

“Mzansi Magic would like to advise all Idols fans to note that all voting lines have been closed for this round and there will be no elimination in the upcoming episode," Idols SA said. "From the beginning of their Idols SA journey, the twins, Viggy and Virginia, have always said they are in this together. After lengthy discussions, Viggy, who still remained in the Idols competition post tonight's elimination, has decided to exit the competition. We would like to wish both Viggy Qwabe and Virginia Qwabe all the best in their career as they are both extremely talented."

Idols SA said the Top 5 contestants had excellent performances as they vied for a place in the Top 4 by singing two songs each.

“The first performances were cover songs, which are now available on iTunes," Idols SA said. "In the second half of the show, the contestants paid homage to US super-producer and songwriter Timbaland. It’s getting tougher and tougher to predict who will be eliminated next as the contestants continue to bring their A-game to the stage. The first performer was Micayla Oelofse, who was back in top form as she sang ‘Lights’ by Ellie Goulding, and went to perform Justin Timberlake’s ‘Until the End of Time’.

"Randall Abrahams said she had redeemed herself, but encouraged her to try other styles. Unathi Nkayi, however, believed both performances were solid, while Somizi Mhlongo said she had all the makings of a superstar, but just needed to add some chutzpah to her performances.”

Nolo Seodisha performed Letta Mbuli’s ‘Ngiyabuza’ and Timberlake’s ‘What Goes Around Comes Around’. Seodisha received mixed reactions from the judges who said he misinterpreted the lyrics of the first song, but redeemed himself with his second performance.

“Sneziey Msomi was next and the judges could not give her enough praise for her performances. Her renditions of a fairly unknown ‘Black Sheep’ by Gin Wigmore and ‘Drunk in Love’ by Beyoncé were spectacular. The judges were unanimous: she had stolen the show. Mhlongo said she oozed confidence and topped his praise with a Whoo Shem.”

Idols SA said Luyolo Yiba impressed the judges with his second performance of Timberlake’s ‘Cry Me a River’ but were not convinced with his first performance of ‘Learn to Love Again’ by Lawson.

“Abrahams called that performance a 'Sunday snooze fest', though Nkayi was content that Yiba had redeemed himself. Mhlongo was confident he had secured his place in the Top 4, thanks to his first performance.

“The last performer of the evening, Viggy Qwabe, killed her performance of One Republic’s ‘Too Late to Apologize’, and there was barely any mention of her rendition of Amanda Black’s ‘Sinazo’. The judges were impressed with her fighting spirit, with Nkayi encouraging her to continue till the end. Abrahams said her second performance had saved her.”

The dates for the next rounds are as follows:

• Top 4 – 27 October (SAST)
• Top 3 – 3 November (SAST)
• Top 2 – 10 November (SAST)
• Finals – 17 November (Carnival City)

You can watch Idols SA Season 15 on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) on Sundays at 5pm.