Get ready to vote your fingers to the bone. Why? There are three Kaapse finalists in the Top 16 Idols SA.
Locals Niyaaz Arendse, Lincoln Lewis and Yanga Sobetwa are in the running to battle it out for your votes in Season 14.
These three made it out of nearly 10 000 hopefuls from four provinces and three satellite stops.
This is 22-year-old Niyaaz’s fourth attempt at winning Idols, and he’s got that won’t-give-up attitude.
Niyaaz, from Ottery, says his persistence is “testament that I won’t give up on my dreams”.
He adds: “Music is my life and now that I’ll be performing on the big stage, I am determined to connect with [Idols judge] Randall [Abrahams].”
“It is my first time reaching the top 16 and I am really excited yet nervous because I know it is a lot of work that lies ahead.”
Niyaaz will be singing his heart out for his mother, who, he says always encourages him to get gigs.
“My mom had five kids and still tried to do the utmost for me, I want her to be comfortable.”
While his icons are Zayn Malik and Rihanna, Niyaaz also does impressions of Cher, Shakira, Duffy and Macy Gray.
At just 16, Yanga is the youngest contestant on Idols this year.
The Delft meisie packs a powerful punch with her huge voice. Not only did she succeed in scooping a yes from all four judges, she had already arranged for long-distance studies with her school.
As the only girl on her school rugby team, this Idols contender is not afraid to put her skills out there.
And while her singing is a compliment to her idol, Beyoncé, Yanga remains humble.
She says: “I feel honoured and blessed to be in the Top 16 among so many talented people. It’s a tremendously amazing feeling.”
Kudos to Lincoln, also 22, vannie Ravensmead who managed to get a compliment out of judgerage Randall, who said his was the best audition for the season.
Lincoln says he is “a loud person”.
“I am very thankful that Jesus has carried me this far and I am ecstatic and overjoyed at the prospect of where He is still taking me,” he says.
Catch Idols SA season 14 is on Mzansi Magic, DStv Channel 161 on Sundays at 5pm.