Idols SA Season 9

Idols SA Season 9 took place in 2013, the winner was Musa Sukwene and the runner-up was Brenden Ledwaba.

Season Summary

Host:	ProVerb
Judges:	Unathi Nkayi, Randall Abrahams, and Gareth Cliff
Winner:	Musa Sukwene
Runner-up:	Brenden Ledwaba
Grand Finale Venue:	Moreleta Park Church Auditorium in Pretoria
Original Network:	M-Net, M-Net HD & Mzansi Magic
Start Date:	Sunday 28 July 2013
End Date:	Tuesday 26 November 2013

Auditions

The season 9 auditions kicked off in February and ended in March 2013, and were held in the following cities:

Date	City	Venue	Episode Air Date
Saturday 2 February 2013	Cape Town, Western Cape	Grandwest Arena	28 July 2013
Saturday 16 February 2013	Soweto, Gauteng	Soweto Theatre	11 August 2013
Saturday 2 March 2013	Durban, Kwazulu Natal	The Playhouse Company	4 August 2013
Saturday 23 March 2013	Johannesburg, Gauteng	Sandton Convention Centre	11 August 2013

Tickets To Sun City (Golden Tickets) Given Out Countrywide

Audition City	Golden Tickets
Cape Town, Western Cape	19
Soweto and Johannesburg	39
Durban, Kwazulu Natal	21
TOTAL	79

After the auditions, callbacks were held in Sun City for the golden ticket holders.

Theatre Week

The 80 talented singers who received the judges’ nod at the countrywide auditions moved into Sun City to show their mettle at the competition’s notorious Theatre Phase, also known as “Hell Week”.

The judges didn’t waste any time and by the end of the episode, the hypercritical trio of Gareth Cliff, Randall Abrahams, and Unathi Nkayi had slashed down the number of potential Idols to a mere 33.

So below is how things unfolded during Season 9’s Theatre Week.

During Idols SA Hell Week, contestants have to prove that they’re the best of the best, worthy of a spot in the Top 10, where they will be under immense pressure week after week. So, this year, the torture and tension started upon arrival when some performers were issued with mysterious yellow armbands.

Then the mystery and anxiety intensified with more color-coding: after singing a song of their choice on stage the judges sent the remaining performers to an ominous Orange Room, Purple Room, or Red Room.

Finally, Gareth Cliff, stepped forward to start unraveling the mystery. “All of you got three ‘yeses’ in your audition,” he told the group with the yellow armbands, who hadn’t sung yet. “You are through!” In other words, these 27 performers skipped the first round of Theatre Week auditions. And, the news was equally good for the contestants in the Orange Room, who all sang their way through to the next round.

As the contestants in the Purple Room only got two ‘yeses’ each for their performances, “You’re in, for now …” Randall Abrahams told them. “But you’re going to have to work at least twice as hard,” he warned.

The contestants in the Red Room all received two ‘no’s’, which meant their journey in Idols 9 had come to an end. But, Unathi Msengana explained, the judges each allowed themselves one save.

Gareth announced that he wanted to save Ntokozo Mbata from Soweto and Unathi rescued Durban’s Leigh Hondy. But Randall said he didn’t consider any one of them worth saving so Unathi grabbed the opportunity to save one more contestant: the “farmgirl punk” from Cape Town, Tauna Collier.

The survivors’ celebration was short-lived, though, because that very same night the remaining 51 contestants had to divide themselves into groups, pick a song, and rehearse and choreograph it overnight for their group performance the very next morning.

This was familiar ground for Hell Week veterans like 17-year-old Rethabile Khumalo from Soweto. “I’ve been here before and it’s kinda bringing back bad memories,” she sighed.

The next morning Hell Week again lived up to its reputation. Directly after the first group’s performance, three contestants were unceremoniously sent home: Cape Town’s Vincent Verhoog, Colin Scoltz, and Lee-Ron Malgas.

On a happier note, one of the three saves from the Red Room the previous day, Tauna Collier, upped her game and made it through to fight another day – despite complaints from group members that she struggled to harmonize with them.

By the end of the brutal Group Round, there were 32 contestants still in the game, but Unathi had one last surprise – after conspiring with her fellow judges she rushed off to save one final contestant to bring the total to 33: Cape Town’s Lee-Ron Malgas. And this was still just the end of Day 2 of Hell Week.

Idols SA Season 9 Top 33

The Top 33 contestants were revealed on Sunday 25 August 2013, they then had their solo performances a week later on Sunday 1 September 2013.

Below are the Top 33 contestants;

• Amy Jones
• Anele Mxhakaza
• Benjamin Tainton
• Brenden Ledwaba
• Bunny Majaja
• Busisiwe Masengemi
• Cara Frew
• Carle van Deventer
• Christina Williams
• Crystalene Nair
• Eddie Koeberg
• Edward Allen
• Frank Horton
• Innocent Mabushe
• Jonathan Johansen
• Lee-Ron Malgas
• Leigh Hondy
• Sonke Mazibuko
• Msizi Madinane
• Musa Sukwene
• Neliswa Mxhakaza
• Paola Donadio
• Philip Dube
• Phiwe Mfeka
• Rethabile Khumalo
• Sarah-Jade Haskin
• Sindile Mavimbela
• Sinenhlanhla Zungu
• Tauna Collier
• Thato Burhali
• Tumi Lesejana
• Tumi Morobane
• Zoe Zana

Idols SA Season 9 Top 16

The Idols SA Season 9 Top 16 contestants (finalists) were revealed on Sunday 8 September 2013.

NOTE: Click on a contestant’s name to view his or her full profile

Contestant	Age	Hometown	Occupation
Amy Jones	20	Cape Town	Student
Benjamin Tainton	19	Cape Town	Apprentice Farrier
Brenden Ledwaba	19	Mpumalanga	Student
Bunny Majaja	26	Johannesburg	Musician
Carlé van Deventer	30	Johannesburg	Singer
Christina Williams	21	Port Elizabeth	Singer
Crystalene Nair	24	Durban	Teacher & Singer
Innocent Mabushe	27	Limpopo	Singer
Jono Johansen	16	Durban	Student
Lee-Ron Malgas	18	Cape Town	Student
Musa Sukwene	26	Mpumalanga	Musician
Philip Dube	20	Johannesburg	Student
Sonke Mazibuko	21	Soweto	Singer
Tauna Collier	26	Cape Town	Singer
Tumi Lesejane	21	Midrand	Student
Zoë Zana	19	Cape Town	Student

The Top 16 contestants were then split into two groups based on gender, the male group and the female group.

Top 16 Show

Top 8 Males

The male contestants of the Top 16 performed live on Sunday 15 September 2013 and their voting results were announced on Tuesday 17 September 2013.

Theme: “Radio Hits”

Contestant	Song	Result
Benjamin Tainton	“Wake Me Up” by Avicii	Advanced
Brenden Ledwaba	“Stay” by Rihanna Ft. Mikky Ekko	Advanced
Innocent Mabushe	“Get Lucky” by Daft Punk Ft. Pharrell Williams & Nile Rodgers	Advanced
Jono Johansen	“Millionaires” by The Script	Eliminated
Lee-Ron Malgas	“Harriet Jones” by Eric Benét	Eliminated
Sonke Mazibuko	“Diamonds” by Rihanna	Advanced
Philip Dube	“Believe In Me” by R. Kelly	Eliminated
Musa Sukwene	“Don’t Judge Me” by Chris Brown	Advanced

Top 8 Females

The female contestants of the Top 16 performed live on Sunday 22 September 2013 and their voting results were announced on Tuesday 24 September 2013.

Theme: “Radio Hits”

Contestant	Song	Result
Carlé van Deventer	“Brave” by Sara Bareilles	Eliminated
Tauna Collier	“One Way or Another (Teenage Kicks)” by One Direction	Eliminated
Tumi Lesejane	“Beneath Your Beautiful” by Labrinth Ft. Emeli Sandé	Advanced
Christina Williams	“Clown” by Emeli Sandé	Advanced
Amy Jones	“Brand New Me” by Alicia Keys	Eliminated
Bunny Majaja	“Let Her Go” by Passenger	Advanced
Zoë Zana	“Lose To Win” by Fantasia	Advanced
Crystalene Nair	“Come & Get It” by Selena Gomez	Advanced

Idols SA Season 9 Top 10

The Idols SA season 9 top 10 contestants were revealed in two groups, the first group which consisted of five male contestants was revealed on Tuesday 17 September 2013 during the results show, live from the State Theatre.

The second group which consisted of five female contestants was then revealed a week later on Tuesday 24 September 2013 during the results show.

The top 10 contestants then performed live on Friday 27 September 2013 at the Moreleta Park Church Auditorium in Tshwane.

Theme: “Cheese”

Contestant	Song	Result
Brenden Ledwaba	“You Sexy Thing” by Hot Chocolate	Advanced
Crystalene Nair	“Because You Loved Me” by Céline Dion	Advanced
Innocent Mabushe	“Lady In Red” by Chris de Burgh	Advanced
Benjamin Tainton	“Everything I Do (I Do It For You)” by Bryan Adams	Advanced
Zoë Zana	“Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley	Bottom Three
Sonke Mazibuko	“All Out of Love” by Air Supply	Advanced
Tumi Lesejane	“Take My Breath Away” by Berlin	Eliminated
Bunny Majaja	“You’re the First, the Last, My Everything” by Barry White	Advanced
Musa Sukwene	“Sexual Healing” by Marvin Gaye	Advanced
Christina Williams	“Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves	Bottom Three

Idols SA Season 9 Top 9

The season 9 top 9 contestants were revealed on Tuesday 1 October 2013 during a live results show that was broadcast live on M-Net and Mzansi Magic from the Moreleta Park Church Auditorium in Tshwane, they then performed live on Friday 4 October 2013.

Theme: “My Idol”

Guest Mentor: Ziyon

Contestant	Song	Result
Crystalene Nair	“Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson	Advanced
Musa Sukwene	“Ndiyagodola” by Ringo Madlingozi	Advanced
Christina Williams	“Try” by Pink	Bottom three
Sonke Mazibuko	“Jik’izinto” by Zonke	Advanced
Brenden Ledwaba	“Her Heart” by Anthony Hamilton	Advanced
Benjamin Tainton	“The Scientist” by Coldplay	Eliminated
Innocent Mabushe	“Paradise” by Coldplay	Advanced
Zoë Zana	“Love The Way You Lie” by Rihanna	Bottom three
Bunny Majaja	“Proud Mary” by Tina Turner	Advanced

Idols SA Season 9 Top 8

The season 9 top 8 contestants were revealed on Tuesday 8 October 2013 and then they performed live on Friday 11 October 2013 with support of a full orchestra.

Theme: “Movie Magic Anthems”

Guest Mentor: Trevor Jones

Contestant	Song	Result
Zoë Zana	“Lady Marmalade” cover by Christina Aguilera, Mýa, Pink & Lil’ Kim	Advanced
Innocent Mabushe	“Two Hearts” by Phil Collins	Eliminated
Sonke Mazibuko	“Go The Distance” by Michael Bolton	Advanced
Crystalene Nair	“Waiting To Exhale” by Whitney Houston	Advanced
Brenden Ledwaba	“This Woman’s Work” by Kate Bush	Advanced
Musa Sukwene	“Win” by Brian McKnight	Advanced
Bunny Majaja	“Kiss From A Rose” by Seal	Bottom three
Christina Williams	“Skyfall” by Adele	Bottom three

Idols SA Season 9 Top 7

The season 9 top 7 contestants were revealed on Tuesday 15 October 2013 but before host ProVerb announced the final voting results, former Idols SA contestant Loyiso Bala provided some welcome relief from the tension with a performance of his latest hit, “Time To Dance”.

The Top 7 contestants then performed live on Friday 18 October 2013 with the help of the Idols SA Choir.

Theme: “Choral Interpretations”

Group Performance: The Top 7 contestants performed – “Roar” by Katy Perry

Contestant	Song	Result
Crystalene Nair	“You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin	Bottom three
Musa Sukwene	“Pass Me Over” by Anthony Hamilton	Advanced
Bunny Majaja	“Let It Be” by The Beatles	Bottom three
Sonke Mazibuko	“Many Rivers To Cross” by Jimmy Cliff	Advanced
Brenden Ledwaba	“You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban	Advanced
Christina Williams	“Fallin’” by Alicia Keys	Eliminated
Zoë Zana	“Can You Feel It” by The Jackson 5	Advanced

Idols SA Season 9 Top 6

The Top 6 contestants were revealed on Tuesday 22 October 2013 during a live results show where multi-award-winning South African crooner Donald entertained the Pretoria audience with his latest hit, “Crazy But Amazing”.

The Top 6 contestants then performed live on Friday 25 October 2013.

Theme: “Showstopper”

Guest Mentor: Danny K

Guest Performers: ChianoSky & Somizi Mhlongo

Group Performance: The Top 6 contestants performed – “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up)” by Fall Out Boy

Contestant	Song	Result
Sonke Mazibuko	“Khona” by Mafikizolo Ft. Uhuru	Advanced
Crystalene Nair	“Right Now” by Rihanna Ft. David Guetta	Eliminated
Brenden Ledwaba	“Lengoma” by Zahara	Bottom three
Zoë Zana	“Wild” by Jessie J Ft. Dizzee Rascal & Big Sean	Advanced
Bunny Majaja	“Raise Your Glass” by Pink	Bottom three
Musa Sukwene	“Via Orlando” by DJ Vetkuk vs Mahoota	Advanced

NOTE: Musa Sukwene underwent surgery for kidney stones before his Top 6 performance on Friday 25 October 2013.

Idols SA Season 9 Top 5

The top 5 were revealed on Tuesday 29 October 2013 and during the live results show, Danny K, who has been an Idols SA guest judge, a mentor and a guest performer, performed his latest hit, “Brown Eyes” accompanied by Kwaito star Brickz live at the Moreleta Auditorium – he told ProVerb he wished Idols was around when he was trying to break into the music business.

The Top 5 contestants then performed live on Friday 1 November 2013.

Theme: “The Nineties (’90s) VS the Naughties (’00s)”

Guest Mentor: Pam De Menezes

Contestant	First Song	Second Song	Result
Musa Sukwene	“Bump n’ Grind” by R. Kelly	“Can’t Stay” by Dave Hollister	Advanced
Bunny Majaja	“Show Me Love” by Robin S	“Ndiredi” by Simphiwe Dana	Eliminated
Brenden Ledwaba	“Nice & Slow” by Usher	“Jailer” by Asa	Advanced
Zoë Zana	“Together Again” by Janet Jackson	“Survivor” by Destiny’s Child	Bottom two
Sonke Mazibuko	“Killing Me Softly” by The Fugees	“Haven’t Met You Yet” by Michael Bublé	Advanced

Idols SA Season 9 Top 4

The Top 4 contestants were revealed on Tuesday 5 November 2013 and during the live results show, South African girl group The Arrows was in the house at the Moreleta Park Church Auditorium in Pretoria to perform their hit “Spin My World Around”.

The Top 4 contestants then performed live on Friday 8 November 2013.

Theme: “Love Hits”

Guest Mentor: Zonke

Contestant	First Song	Second Song	Result
Zoë Zana	“Rock With You” by Michael Jackson	“Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus	Eliminated
Sonke Mazibuko	“A Song For You” by Donny Hathaway	“Loved Me Back To Life” by Céline Dion	Advanced
Musa Sukwene	“Redemption Song” by Bob Marley and the Wailers	“Thy Will Be Done” by India.Arie Ft. Gramps Morgan	Advanced
Brenden Ledwaba	“Could You Be Loved” by Bob Marley and the Wailers	“All of Me” by John Legend	Bottom two

Duets:

– Sonke Mazibuko and Zoë Zana : “When I First Saw You” by Jamie Foxx & Beyoncé

– Brenden Ledwaba and Musa Sukwene : “Same Girl” by R. Kelly & Usher

Idols SA Season 9 Top 3

The Top 3 contestants were revealed on Tuesday 12 November 2013 and in order to lighten the tension in the room during the live results show, Zonke who helped mentor the Top 4 contestants performed her latest hit, “Feelings”.

The Top 3 contestants then performed live on Friday 15 November 2013, they each performed three songs, one chosen for them by the Idols SA judges, one selected by the Idols SA Musical Director RJ Benjamin, and one song of their own choosing. As usual, tickets for the show were available for purchase on Computicket.

Themes:
– “Contestants’ Choice”
– “Judges’ Choice”
– “Idols SA Musical Director’s Choice”

Contestant	First Song	Second Song	Third Song	Result
Sonke Mazibuko	“Burn Out” by Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse	“Turn Me On” by David Guetta Ft. Nicki Minaj	“Rhythm Of The Night” by DeBarge	Eliminated
Musa Sukwene	“Inkomo” by The Soil	“Meropa” by BOP and the Mahotella Queens	“Love” by Musiq Soulchild	Advanced
Brenden Ledwaba	“Do You” by Miguel	“Beauty And A Beat” by Justin Bieber Ft. Nicki Minaj	“Locked Out Of Heaven” by Bruno Mars	Advanced

The Top 3 contestants, Sonke, Musa and Brenden got to meet with Idols SA fans on Saturday 16 November 2013 at the Truworths flagship store in Sandton City at 10:00 AM. The Top 3 posed for photographs with the fans and also signed autographs for them.

Idols SA Season 9 Top 2 (Grand Finale)

The Idols SA season 9 Top 2 contestants were revealed on Tuesday 19 November 2013 during a live results show.

Idols SA fans had the opportunity to see the Top 2 contestants and got their autographs when they performed live at the brand new Cradlestone Mall at Mogale City at noon and at Cresta Mall in Randburg at 14:30 on Saturday 23 November 2013.

Then the Idols SA fans in Cape Town got to cheer our Top 2 finalists, Brenden and Musa at Canal Walk at 11:00 AM on Sunday 24 November 2013.

Tickets for the Grand Finale were on sale at Computicket, the Grand Finale took place on Tuesday 26 November 2013, and was broadcast live on both M-Net and Mzansi Magic.

Themes:
– “Season’s Best picked by the Show Producers”
– “Season’s Best picked by the Contestant”
– “Contestant’s brand new single”

Contestant	First Song	Second Song	Third Song	Result
Brenden Ledwaba	“Jailer” by Aṣa	“Stay” by Rihanna Ft. Mikky Ekko	“Fingerprints”	Runner-up
Musa Sukwene	“Ndiyagodola” by Ringo Madlingozi	“Sexual Healing” by Marvin Gaye	“I Still Feel It”	Winner

Guest Performers:
– AKA
– The Parlotones
– ChianoSky
– Mi Casa
– Khuli Chana

After 2 million votes and just over a mere 1,000 separating the winner from the runner-up, Musa Sukwene was announced as the winner after a tight competition between him and Brenden Ledwaba.

M-Net’s Head of Publicity and Special Projects Lani Lombard said at the time that this was the first of its kind to have two contestants so close to being Idol SA winners.

“We have never experienced such a close race before on Idols SA.

“It’s a testament to the calibre of the contestants as well as the passion of the fans. It’s fantastic to be able to provide such a phenomenal platform for untapped local singing talent.”

Season chronology:
« ( Season 8 ) Previous | Next ( Season 10 ) »

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