VIDEO: Idols SA Season 13 – Dynamic changes with the Top 7 as the guys outnumber the girls

The men were once the underdogs, outnumbered one to three but after Sunday night, Idols SA saw a dramatic shift when all four guys were pronounced safe and Tee was eliminated, leaving three girls still in the running.

The showcase performances got off to a lively start with Faith singing P!nk’s, ‘What About Us?’ in a post-apocalyptic set. Unathi was disappointed, saying she had anticipated more. For Randall and Somizi, however, she delivered as expected.

Mthokozisi was a groom serenading his bride, played by Thembisa Mdoda, with AKA’s, ‘Caiphus Song’. It proved to be a winning concept. Unathi called it “perfection”, Somizi showered him with compliments and Randall said he hoped Mthokozisi’s own wedding would one day be half as exciting as the performance.

‘Post to Be’ by Omarion was Christo’s song in an Urban, Hip-Hop setting. It was, according to Somizi, “oxtail with sugar”, and “a big piece of cheese” in Randall’s opinion. Unathi gave him a 10/10 for effort and being “present”.

The “cheese” kept coming Randall’s way when Lindo performed One Direction’s, ‘Drag Me Down’. “In your case, [the cheese] is like NikNaks and I like NikNaks,” was Randall’s high compliment. Unathi and Somizi were also excitably impressed and gave him a standing ovation.

Phindy brought some bodega rooftop fun with, ‘Wild Thoughts’ by DJ Khaled featuring Rihanna. The dancing, as Randall conveyed, was on point “but the vocal fell ever so slightly flat”. Somizi called her a potential triple threat, while Unathi felt it was a “brilliant” performance.

Botlhale’s showcase was a juxtaposition of high-energy, African beats with the grace of ballet in Tressor’s, ‘Never Let Me Go’. The Judges loved it. “You are the perfect example of showmanship! Performance of the night!” declared Unathi. “You brought the house down!” said an enthusiastic Randall, while a beaming Somizi was out of words.

Paxton closed the show with Sia’s, ‘Cheap Thrills’, featuring a bedroom-to-club scene, where she “made it rain” with special Paxton Money. It didn’t go down well with the Judges however with Randall calling it “timid” and “tepid”. Somizi warned that she was “in danger” and Unathi commended the teen for her commitment.

Next week’s voting results will reveal who sparkled and who fizzled on tonight’s Showcase evening, and the power lies with the public.

Entertainment was also provided by Dream Team and the opening track by all eight contestants was Bruno Mars’, ’24 Karat’.

Idols SA airs on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) every Sunday at 17:00. VOTE or register to VOTE for your favourtie Idols contestant here