Bay ‘Idols’ impress way into next round

Loyiso Gijana

Renditions of ’80s hits earn Loyiso, Amanda high praise from judges

NELSON Mandela Bay Idols finalists Loyiso Gijana and Amanda Antony have sailed through to the next round of the competition.

Now part of the Top 8, the two sang hits from the 1980s – an era well before their time as both were only born in the 1990s.

The finalists were mentored last week by 1980s US singer Jennifer Rush, best known for her single Power of Love, which she performed on Sunday with the Top 9.

The elimination process has changed this year, with finalists only finding out moments before they perform whether they have made it to the next round.

Loyiso, 16, was the first one through and he performed Bobby McFerrin’s 1988 hit Don’t Worry, Be Happy – made popular 11 years before the Muir College pupil was born.

Rush, who is touring southern Africa starting in Bloemfontein this weekend and making her way to East London and Port Elizabeth by the end of the month, said listening to Loyiso made her happy.

Judge Gareth Cliff said there were “a lot of pretty cheesy ‘80s songs” on the night.

“The important thing is to buy into it, which is what you did. You did a little bit of the accent, you played with it, you made fun of yourself while you were doing the song.

“I think it’s terrific.”

Somizi Mhlongo called Loyiso’s interpretation “amazing”. Unathi Msengana – who appears to have a soft spot for Loyiso, even giving him a nickname, Loy-Loy – said: “I’m sure the entire country is happy, the entire continent is happy, after that performance.”

Randall Abrahams also complimented Loyiso.

“Your performance was absolutely top level,” he said.

Amanda, 22, performed iconic South African song Paradise Road by Joy. Rush, who had never heard it before, said she thought it, and Amanda’s rendition, “absolutely beautiful”.

Cliff said: “That was a beautiful delivery. I’m sure you’re not going anywhere.”

Mhlongo thought Amanda did “a safe job” and “we’ll be seeing you again”.

Amanda Antony

Msengana, however, felt it was better than safe. “I truly enjoyed it and I’m enjoying hearing your voice getting richer and richer.”

Abrahams gave Amanda some advice, but also apologised to her.

“You’re a really, really good singer. For the first time tonight I’ve discovered just how good you are. You’ll have to forgive me for that,” he said.

“But the competition isn’t only about singing, it’s about winning votes and in order to win votes you’ve got to perform.

“I felt the singing was way ahead of the performance. You could have done so much more with your body, your hands, etc . . . If you are still here next week, think about that.”

Idols mentor RJ Benjamin, who also performed as backup singer with some of the finalists including Loyiso, once again tweeted during the live show on Sunday.

“That was fun!!! Based on the judges comments #Loyiso killed it. On stage it certainly felt that way!! #IdolsSA,” he said about Loyiso.

He said about Amanda: “Key change did seem a little rocky from #Amanda. Mixed views from judges . . . let’s see what happens . . .”

-Karen van Rooyen