Randall Abrahams doesn’t think the next Idol will come from Cape Town.
There are no less than 16 Cape Town semi-finalists in the show, but the judge is not convinced that the Mother City has what it takes to get a hat trick.
The last two Idols Paxton Fielies and Yanga Sobetwa are both from Cape Town.
“Cape Town is very strong, but I guess the question, in the final analysis, is whether someone from Cape Town like in the case of Paxton is going to win again.
“I think the competition has always been tough, but I think this year Cape Town performers will be given a run for their money,” Randall said this week as finalists are in Joburg for the Judge’s Cut.
IMPRESSED: Idols judges Randall Abrahams, Unathi Msengana and Somizi Mhlongo. Photo: Phando Jikelo/ANA.
This year, the show sees a shift in venue for the theatre auditions, which took place on Wednesday.
For the first time, this part of the competition was held at the brand new Urban Brew Studios in Jozi.
The studio is fitted with a built-in generator so that load shedding does not affect production.
Randall and fellow judges Unathi Msengana and Somizi Mhlongo looked impressed with the competitors and, despite Randall rekking about a Cape win, the judges were visibly moved by Cape Town’s performances.
All the singers were given a song to perform as judges wanted to gauge their strengths and weaknesses.
Lance Florence, who puts on special effects make-up for his performances, came on stage to sing Jimmy Nevis’s hit song Heartboxing.
“I feel my performance was amazing. I love Jimmy Nevis and I love his music, this was a breeze for me,” he tells the Daily Voice.
BREEZE: Lance Florence performs Heartboxing for judges. Photo: Phando Jikelo/ANA.
Craig Jordan, 20, from Elsies River, sang Al Green’s classic, Let’s stay together.
He says he was very nervous, knowing this song stood between him and the Top 16.
“The talent in this competition is so amazing. I had lots of nerves, but I went up there confidently. Overall I would say I did well in my audition,” he says.
NERVOUS: Craing Jordan, 20, performs Al Green’s Let’s stay together. Photo: Phando Jikelo/ANA
Unfortunately, the Daily Voice can’t reveal the Top 16.
All we can say for now is that Cape Town contestants are once again sizzling hot. You’ll just have to wait.
Catch Idols SA on M-Net, Channel 101 on DStv, or on Mzansi Magic, Channel 161 at 5pm.