Idols SA Season 13: The first live show was a spectacular celebration of all things music and talent!

From the opening sequence in which the eight contestants performed the ghetto-fabulous Bongo Muffin hit, ‘Thath’iSgubhu’, to enjoying the toe-tapping tune ‘Tigi’ by Sands, Idols 13 was officially off on a high.

Tonight’s theme was Break Out Hits, a fitting theme considering tonight was the first major step into stardom for our own Idols. Gugu Zulu was the first of the Group One contestants to face the full glare of the cameras, a live audience, Judges and home viewers. She chose Letta Mbulu’s, ‘There’s Music in the Air’. “You didn’t blow the roof off. It was like watching a stage show,” was Randall’s unimpressed verdict. Unathi concurred, encouraging her to be unapologetic in her singing going forward.

Things marginally improved with Phindy’s performance of Adele’s, ‘Chasing Pavements’. While Randall’s critique was about consistency, Unathi waxed lyrical about Phindy’s “masterpiece” feat. Lindo took to the stage to croon Maxwell’s, ‘Lifetime’ – and finally showed the Judges he was more than just a “one-trick pony with a likable personality” as Unathi put it. With the Judges predicting that Mzansi will fall in love with him, only the votes will tell.

Attitude was served by Paxton, who chose Alessia Cara’s, ‘Here’. Unathi called it the perfect song choice. “I have a feeling you’re going to be here for the Top 10,” she said. Randall voiced his concern about Paxton’s distinct tone, advising her to work hard to avoid becoming a parody later on.

Tonight’s turning point came with Faith’s performance of Brenda Fassie’s Memeza, which recently enjoyed a revival via a cover by Vusi Nova. “Based on tonight’s performance, it’s safe to say you’re going to get the majority of votes tonight. You can sleep easy this week,” said Randall. For Unathi, it was Faith’s best performance in her two years of trying out on Idols.

Things were looking up, with Christo giving people all the right feels with his rendition of Bruno Mars’, ‘Versace on the Floor’. Unathi was “blown away” and Randall called him “very good”. A disappointed Blessed wasn’t showered with compliments by the Judges when she sang ‘Promises’ by Brenda Fassie. Unathi reckoned she was unconvincing, while Randall felt she never took off “from second gear”.

Fortunately, Thokozile closed off the show on a high note performing ‘Dangerously In Love’ . Unathi declared it the performance of the night and Randall said she had seized the moment that was presented to her.

This year, Idols has introduced singer Donald as the In-House technical director who works with the contestants during the week and provides direction and critique after each performance. His overall impression of the first week of live performances? More confidence is needed and contestants need to trust themselves.

Next week, Group Two of the Top 16 will give their all as they fight for their spot in the Top 10.

Idols SA airs on Mzansi Magic SA (DStv Channel 161) every Sunday at 5pm CAT.