'Idols' judge more fun than most contestants

31 August 2015 - 08:49 By LEONIE WAGNER

Somizi Mhlongo continues to breathe life into Idols SA and last night's first live performance was no exception. The Pretoria State Theatre hosted an underwhelming number of people for the first show featuring the top 16 male contestants. But the sharp-tongued "Somgaga" was easily one of the biggest entertainers on the night.Joining him were fellow judges Unathi Msengana, Gareth Cliff and Randall Abrahams.Though it is too soon to say who could win, based on the standing ovations, it is a toss up between Loyiso Gijana and Karabo Mogane. Both contestants wowed Mhlongo, but it was Gijana's rendition of Sam Smith's Lay Me Down that had Mhlongo virtually speaking in tongues.Mhlongo was less kind to Rhema Varrie, saying: "D on't dress like a 55-year-old, you look like you're going to a wedding reception. The only thing missing is the first dance ."Abrahams had some harsh words himself for Phila Madlingozi, whose afro soul singer father Ringo was in the crowd, saying: "As much as you like the fact that you looked cool on screen, you won't be here much longer."..

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