VIDEO: Idols SA Season 13 – Lindo’s exit makes way for Top 5

Sunday night was proof of just how popular Idols SA is, when host and executive producer Proverb announced that last week attracted a whopping 10 million votes for the Top 5.

This week saw the contestants singing two songs again – the first being ‘Old Made New’, a classic that has been redone to speak to the here and now music lover; while there was the ‘Inspirational Choir’ number featured the Grammy-winning Soweto Gospel Choir.

First to leave the Contestant Lounge was coffee and ice cream addict, Paxton, whose name was called first. She belted out Jade’s 1992 classic Don’t Walk Away, followed by Destiny’s Child’s Stand Up For Love.

Randall reminded her that no one was safe in the competition, hence her performances need to be consistent. “Don’t give them a chance; the first song was good but the second was great,” said Unathi. Somizi pleaded for her to give him goosebumps all the time.

Next up was Botlhale, who revealed he was an undercover cook and baker in his spare time. His first performance was K-Ci and Jojo’s classic All My Life, followed by Sedilaka by The Soil. The balance between the pop culture and the serious gained him high praise from the judges, with Unathi calling the performances exceptional and Somizi calling them “best in the history of Idols”.

Following was sneakers and self-proclaimed best aunty, Faith, who sang Joe’s I Believe in You followed by Next to Me by Emeli Sande. A trip in the beginning of the second song was noticed by the judges, but they were encouraging. “Don’t allow the little mistakes to throw you off,” was Somizi’s guidance. Randall told her to “do a better job of winning votes”.

Mortal Combat player and aspiring farmer Mthokozisi came on with So Sick by Neo followed by R.Kelly’s The Storm Is Over. The judges put on their parental hats and buoyed a “down and tired” Mthokozisi to keep fighting. “You have a great feeling for songs and that’s dynamic,” announced Randall. Unathi called him amazing. “You touch our hearts and souls,” she said.

An overwhelmed Phindy brought up the tail of the Top 5, despite the pessimistic outcome from the judges and coach Donald. She brought the nostalgia with Mirriam Makeba’s Meet Me at the River and Butterfly by Mariah Carey.

This week, she received a clean slate of compliments from the judges. Randall even complemented her outfit before announcing she had done a “sterling” job. “Tonight, you can sleep with relief. You were perfect,” was Somizi’s verdict.

With the finale creeping up, it’s now a fight to the death and the contestants are relying on their fans more than ever. So, who will make it to the Top 4 next Sunday? Only the votes will determine that.

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