Elwira bids farewell to Idols SA (video)

Elwira received the bad news towards the end of last night’s Top 8 Spectacular at the State Theatre in Pretoria, which at least still afforded her the opportunity to perform the mega-hit The Power of Love with Eighties icon Jennifer Rush, who was the special Idols SA guest star on the eve of her Southern African tour.

“The Eighties” was the musical theme of the evening tonight and the contestants were mentored in their rehearsals this week by Ms Rush.

Over 4.24 million votes were cast for the Top 9 this week and the first person called to the stage, who received enough votes to stay in Top 8 was the baby of the competition, 16-year-old Loyiso Gijana from Uitenhage, with Bobby McFerrin’s jaunty 1988 hit Don’t Worry Be Happy.

“The song was absolutely perfect for you,” Randall Abrahams said approvingly. “That’s not to say that you can’t make a mistake, but your performance was absolutely top level.

For her Eighties moment, 22-year-old Amanda Antony from Port Elizabeth kept it local with the South African classic Paradise Road, by Joy. “Amanda, you’re a really, really good singer,” said Randall. “But the competition isn’t only about singing, it’s about votes.” He felt that Amanda could have given a bigger dramatic performance of the song.

The third Idol who made it through to the Top 8 was Lungisa Xhamela, 24, from Langa in the Cape, who performed an á capella version of one of Eighties icon Cindy Lauper’s all-time greatest hits, 1983’s Time After Time. “I’ve never heard that song done in such a fresh way,” said Gareth.

Siphelele Ngcobo, 24, from Inanda made it through to the Top 8, despite Musical Director RJ’s concerns about his performance last week, and he brought some true Eighties magic with Lionel Richie’s Oscar-winning 1985 hit Say You, Say Me.. Gareth thought it sounded dated and Somizi thought maybe Siphelele should rather have chosen a vernacular song. “No more English!” he ranted passionately.

21-year-old Rhema Varrie from Alberton performed Simply Red’s Grammy-winning 1989 ballad, If You Don’t Know Me By Now. Gareth praised Rhema’s unique, individual sounds and Somizi was beside himself. “You speak to the heart and into the soul!” he raved until words failed him.

Dineo Moseki, 21, from Vryburg tackled the Bryan Adams ballad Heaven, from his 1984 album Reckless, but with the 2002 DJ Sammy dance remix approach. Gareth thought it was a beautiful, gentle, well-thought-through performance. Somizi said Dineo is a perfect all-rounder.

24-year-old Karabo Mogane’s eighties moment was the 1985 hit Last Christmas”from the pop duo Wham. “You can probably sing anything but there was something disjointed with that,” Gareth complained.

Mmatema Moremi from Limpopo closed the show with Brenda Fassie’s 1986 classic, Weekend Special. “It was all perfect,” said a happy Gareth and Somizi loved that she wasn’t trying to be Brenda Fassie, but she made the song her own. “You’re so professional,” said Unathi. “Well done.” And Randall commended her on being able to perform in any style.

Voting for the Top 8 opened during the course of tonight’s live broadcast and will close at 22:00 on Tuesday, 6 October.