Idols stars to sing in Durban

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Durbans singing sensation and Idols SA fans favourite Khaya Mthethwa

Durban’s singing sensation and fans’ favourite Khaya Mthethwa, 25, made it to the top five of the Idols SA season eight last night, but Queensburgh Girls’ High School matric pupil Shekhinah Donell’s dreams of winning the title on October 2, her birthday, were crushed when she was eliminated.

The judges had had an option to save her after she had scored the least votes, but they did not. Earlier yesterday, Mthethwa, of Durban North, described yesterday as an “emotional day”. The contestants were nervous and forced to deal with the reality of being voted out of the show.

“I am hopeful that Durban supports me and keeps the votes coming through.”

Mthethwa recalled how he had always wanted to be a pilot or work in the “corporate world” but singing had always been close to his heart.

“In school, we had to sing, but never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would be in the Idols competition,” he said.

Before Mthethwa joined Twitter, he had only 1 000 followers. Today his support base has grown to more than 32 000 followers.

“It is really shocking. Matter of fact, it is mind-boggling. The support is amazing out there. There are no words to explain how I feel at the moment.”

For Mthethwa, making it so far shows that “I can sing” and he believes that even if he does not win, he will maximise the opportunity the competition has created for him.

The favourite, who has teenage girls sending him messages of support, set the record straight about his single life.

“I am very single.

“But I have been concentrating on my singing career right now.”

His “little sister” Shekhinah, 17, told The Mercury yesterday that she had been nervous.

She said she and Khaya had been friends before Idols, but their friendship had become stronger.

She would continue her matric and pursue a qualification in music.

“Idols has been a good experience. I did my best for myself and for Durban,” she said.

The two friends will perform at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium during the Durban Day music event on Sunday.