Who will be the last one holding the mic (and a contract) in the Idols SA grand finale tomorrow night? Debashine Thangevelo caught up with an understandably anxious Khaya Mthethwa and Melissa Allison to find out how they are feeling ahead of the biggest night of their lives…
KHAYA MTHETHWA:
Braving the wrath of his parents, this 25-year-old Durbanite decided to audition for the eighth season of Idols, little realising the journey that awaited him.
Even judge Randall Abrahams’ observation that he would “be in the Top 10” didn’t really sink in… until now that is.
“Honestly, I just thought he was saying that,” laughs Mthethwa.
And his Idols journey has been riddled with highs and lows. For this gospel-influenced hopeful, it has also afforded him the opportunity to learn and grow.
He says: “I had two songs I was really uncomfortable with – Usher’s Without You and Aerosmith’s I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing.
“To put it bluntly, those were bad performances from my side. So it has been a bumpy journey – those songs were out of my comfort zone and I was slated for it. I think my gospel influence worked for and against me, at times. Performance-wise, it is a great foundation. But, at the same time, the pop industry is a whole different ball game.”
Having made it this far in the competition, he admits his family has been most supportive: “They came on board after I hit the Top 10. Initially, they were like: ‘Khaya, what are you doing?’ It was a dark phase of my life knowing I didn’t have their blessing. That has changed now – they see me in a different light.”
Of his song selection, with Justin Bieber’s ‘Down To Earth’ securing him a spot in the Top 2, he chuckles: “I listen to that dude a lot. I think he is one of the youngest talented artists. And it is one of my favourite songs of his. It has sentimental value and I knew [by singing it] I would cross over to a wider audience.”
Although last week’s schedule after the Results Show left little time for rehearsals for Sunday’s show, Mthethwa said he’d be bringing nothing but his A-game to the stage with his song choices of Otis Redding’s ‘Try a Little Tenderness’, R Kelly’s ‘I Am the World’s Greatest’ and his new single, ‘Move’.
And then there was his duet to Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown’s ‘No Air’, with Allison.
Reflecting on his favourite judge this season, he says: “It is Gareth Cliff – I love how the man is so outspoken and controversial, but you know you will always get an honest opinion from him. And he is an entertaining judge.
“My worst is Randall – he doesn’t comment [on what you need to improve]. I just don’t know what to do with his comments.”
With Durban hoping for him to win, more so after L’loyd Cele came close to doing so last year, Mthethwa says: “This ‘win’ isn’t just about that. It will be for the city of Durban, too – to prove we have talented performers.”
By the way, he assures that Allison and he have made no “pact” à la Cele and Elvis Blue when they split the cash prize last year.
MELISSA ALLISON:
This 23-year-old Port Elizabeth hopeful auditioned because it was the best platform to achieve her dream of a solo singing career.
She says: “I just felt this was the quickest way as the Idols platform would ensure I became a household name and help me build a fan base. In terms of exposure, this was a huge opportunity.”
Although it is one thing to want to crack the nod to the top in this reality show, a lot of hard work and sacrifices are demanded along the way.
Allison concedes: “You come into the biz thinking it is going to be a smooth ride, but it’s not like that. I’ve learnt so much, in terms of technique, like controlling my voice, especially when the nerves strike.”
The sex symbol admits that her two worst performances this season were “‘Superstition’ by Stevie Wonder and ‘Fallin’ by Alicia Keys”.
But she took the “constructive” advice of Unathi Msengana and Cliff to heart and worked on her shortcomings.
On Sunday, she belted out Joe Goddard’s ‘Gabriel’, Aretha Franklin and Annie Lennox’s ‘Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves’ and her single, ‘I Could Spend a Lifetime’.
And if the results count in her favour at the finale, Allison says: “I will be working on my debut album, touring and I want to venture into acting and design my own clothing line.”
Whatever the outcome tomorrow night, one thing is guaranteed – both hopefuls will get to live their dream, like many contestants before them.
The ‘Idols’ finale special airs on M-Net and Mzansi Magic at 7.30pm tomorrow. Don’t miss it!