Oh my word. After watching last night’s episode SA Idols is becoming more of a chore to watch than actually being enjoyable, or am I alone in this? I’m becoming increasingly disillusioned as this season progresses.
The latest theme, ‘The Year I was Born’ produced some real stinkers. C’mon kids, the eighties and nineties was a great era for music. So why did they choose the absolute worst songs of the decade? The mind boggles.
Tshidi set the tone for the evening with her version of The Weather Girls “It’s raining Men” which was screechy and overblown. Her outfit was similarly messy seeing as she was draped in all manner of accessories, making her look like a Christmas tree.
My boy Dominic took to the stage in a basic jeans and tee ensemble which he looked comfortable in although his singing left a bit to be desired. I do love this guy but have to admit that Mr Big’s “To be with you” wasn’t the best song choice for him. If I had a say in the matter he would have chosen Steve Winwood’s “Don’t you know what the night can do?” which I think would have been a better match for his voice.
Crowd-pleaser Simphiwe was up next with Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” in a shirt a size too small and skinny jeans that did nothing for his frame. He started out shaky but hit his stride in the chorus, making it a highlight of the evening.
Chloe decided to subject us to her version of INX’s classic “Never tear us apart”, a classic rock number dumbed down for Idols audiences. It was far too bland and passionless. For a leader of a rock group, I’d expected Chloe to have a bit more passion…a bit more rock attitude. On the upside, she looked great in her stripey dress and a bang on trend side braid.
After the ad break Monde sang Toto’s “Rosanna” dressed in a great denim shirt. Pity about the coloured denims though. He actually sounded good, although this tendency to water down rock songs is beginning to irritate. He acquitted himself well though, at least keeping in tune throughout. My favourite of the night.
Khaya decided on Earth, Wind and Fire’s “September” which was a bit of a bizarre choice. I mean, okay, yes, it was re-released in 1986 but it certainly set him apart from the rest who were singing mainly 80’s and early 90’s songs with a song EVERYONE associates with the 1970’s. If I were a conspiracy theorist I may be compelled to theorise that it was a strategic song choice to make him stand out from the rest of the contestants but I’m not, so I won’t. His outfit left much to be desired, togged out as he was in a track top. A track top? Yup. Not a good choice. I love the song but Khaya managed to turn a disco number into a gospel anthem and was out of tune in several places.
The gorgeous Melissa then sang “Eternal Flame” by The Bangles and looked pretty spectacular in a little black dress and flawless make-up. Pity about the singing though. I really don’t go in for diva type singing. All those vocal gymnastics leave me cold and her vibrato was quite unnerving, although it seems none of the judges picked up on it. Just me then.
Last but certainly not least was Shekhinah. I could write pages about the lack of styling in Idols. She’s a gorgeous, hip, funky young girl and yet the stylist seems to dress her as if she’s at least ten years older! The jeans were too tight, the top too short and the heels far too high. I wish the stylist would put her into something age-appropriate. Her version of TLC’s “Waterfalls” was a bad song choice as it has a rap segment which Shekhinah decided to do in some kind of Jamaican accent. Quelle bizarre. The audience seemed to enjoy it though so what do I know?
Not the worst episode so far but there is certainly room for improvement. The judges once again harped on favourite themes, Unathi with her ‘story-telling’, Gareth trying too hard for controversy and Randall inexplicably hinting that Simphiwe is ‘egotistical’
The bottom three: Shekhinah, Dominic and Chloe
Possibly leaving: Dominic, although I sincerely hope not!
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