Thapelo Molomo was crowned the winner of Idols SA season 18 during a spectacular live finale.
The South African Police Service warrant officer thanked everyone who voted for him after taking the highly coveted title.
In a previous interview with News 24Molomo said he was inspired to enter the singing competition because he felt “so ready” to compete for the coveted title. “I think this is my season,” he said.
Here we take a look at Molomo’s best performances:
1. Audition – Glory
Molomo sang the Grammy-winning song Glory, by John Legend and Common. Somizi said that she loved her performance, Thembi Seete thanked her for preparing, while JR added that it was a solid audition. This performance earned him the golden ticket and put his journey on the winning track.
2. Top 10 Performances – All By Myself
With his Top 10 performance of the Celine Dion classic, Molomo received a standing ovation from Somizi.
Seete had high praise; she said, “I know why Mzansi is falling for you, it’s because you are yourself. The approach you gave to the song was perfect for you.”
3. Top 9 – Dad
For the heritage special, Idols celebrated South Africa’s musical history with contestants recreating classics.
Molomo’s rendition of the song Sankomota received high praise from the judges.
“You’ve got what most artists work years for, which is a distinctive voice. We could dim the lights and you’d know it’s Thapelo singing,” Thembi said.
“Once you’ve won all this and want to hire me as your producer, I’ll send you my quote,” JR added.
4. Spectacular Night – Di Boya Limpopo
Molomo showed another side of his vocal abilities and star power with this performance. He impressed the judges with the hit song by Master KG.
“Your vocals are insane, and on top of that, you keep picking the right songs. You keep delivering the right things at the right time,” Somizi said.
JR called it an industry-changing performance: “The barometer of excellence in the country has always been low. We’ve always accepted mediocrity. You’re a new artist and [established artists] Now I need to act like you because you set the standard.”
5. Top 6 Performance – Hallelujah Nkateko
Accompanied by Joyous Celebration, Molomo tapped into his evangelical roots.
JR said, “I’ll tell you this for free: This is your genre. When you go and make it big in this genre, stick with it. This is the way you’re going to speak to the world.”
