The first of the "Idols SA" season 14 live shows had more lows than high on Sunday as the eight males from the Top 16 contestants gave their first performances.
The theme of the night was bestselling male artists of the 21st century and for the most part, the males were either off-key, disconnected or just didn't fit the song. Like Victor who was saved by Unathi before making the top 16.
According to Somizi, he was dull and gave a "family reunion" type performance.
"Victor, it didn't go well. You are supposed to set the bar. You are opening and are suppose to do memorable performances. By the time it gets to the fourth performance, I would have forgotten about you," commented Somizi.
Somizi dont be too hursh on Victor lol pic.twitter.com/l2Iim1y6JT
— Lehlo (@matelelela) August 26, 2018
Unathi, on the other hand, advised him to enjoy the moment and loosen up.
Mnqobi's rendition of Drake's "Hold On"we going home was off, again according to Somizi. "Also with your vocal gymnastics, it didn't go well here, it is rough."
Randall commented to say, "It simply didn't catch the light. You've made it this far in the competition, you have to make it count and you simply didn't."
But in the midst of uncertain performances, contestant Sandile gave a rendition of Nathi's "Nomvula" and was dubbed as a solid performance for the night.
Sandile left some heat #IdolsSA pic.twitter.com/9HFvhMF7dc
— Xolani (@Xolani_247) August 26, 2018
Lincoln Lewis's rendition of Sam Smith "Writing on the Wall" was labelled as a performance fit for an Oscar night by Unathi, while Thato's rendition of Chris Brown's rendition of "With You" lacked sex appeal, according to Somizi.
Randall said, "Thato, you know the hardest work is paid off. You've done this before, you've sung in the studio before...but I still think there is something missing for the voting public at home. You need to garner their votes. It is not about you in your music video or people coming to your show. There are 15 others in competition against you and you need to beat them to win. "
The evening wasn't as horrid as King B got a "Wooooo shem" from Somizi for his dramatic performance.
#IdolsSA Me : Do you think King b has an Competition when it comes to the guys?
Prudy : pic.twitter.com/c5iyCTt6ha
— Mr TD MATHE (@Tee_Bang2) August 26, 2018
"For the first time in a while, the girls must pull up their socks. Because now they are scared. That was beautiful. I'm praying that you stay humble because the danger of being loved is that it can get in your head. Please stay with God, be humble until you hear your name in the finals saying the winner is, stay grounded before and after."
Unathi and Randall both gave him the performance of the night.
My performances of the night go to Lincoln and Niyaaz💯🔥🤞. #IdolsSA pic.twitter.com/EsN15d4XLR
— Poroma Kgaogelo Hlaka. (@poromahlaka) August 26, 2018
Another contestant who gave a satisfactory performance was Niyaaz singing Justin Timberlake's "Mirrors".
Here's a refresher on how everyone did tonight! Now they need your support to make the #IdolsSA Top 10. VOTE NOW: https://t.co/v05PGDIg27 pic.twitter.com/5B3l6DvWPW
— Idols South Africa (@IdolsSA) August 26, 2018
Next week, the girls take to the stage to give their performances of the 21st century bestselling female artists. After that only 10 will be left, eight voted in by the viewers and the wild two cards chosen by the judges.