Five minutes with rising star and 'Idols SA' season 18 top 7 contestant Ty Loner

Idols SA season 18 is down to the final 7 contestants with the top 6 yet to be announced, and Ty Loner anticipates giving a show-stopping performance on October 9 to prove he has what it takes to be the next star.

This is not the singer's first rodeo — he made it to the top 31 in season 16 of the competition, and after his girlfriend secretly submitted his audition tape, he's now got a second chance to show the world what he's made of.

Ty Loner  did a Q and A session with TshisaLIVE about his journey since joining the competition.

How does it feel having made it this far in the show?

“It feels amazing because I know my progress in this show is based on the amount of people that believe in me, that vote and that that feels good because people want me to grow.”

Looking back on your journey on the show, did you anticipate you'd make it this far?

“I didn't really want to expect much, so I just prayed and hoped for the best. I know that there is a different plan for everyone. so I just took whatever came and gave my best in every round that I have been able to experience. I'm glad to have made it this far.”

You're no stranger to the competition, do you feel your previous experience on the show give you an upper hand?

“Yes, I actually am glad that the last time things didn't work out. I do think that I have gained an upper hand based on the studies I've done on what the crowd likes and the previous contestants and what they used to stand out and attract a crowd. I now know more or less what I need to do to make a good show.”

You previously went under the moniker Karl, why did you decide to change it this time?

“I went on with the name Karl because I didn't know I could sign up with my stage name. I think now it's a good way to reintroduce myself because that's who I would like to show to the world.”

Which of the Idols SA judges' advice have you carried throughout your journey in the competition?

JR once told me that I need to stay in pocket which I didn't understand at first after I did my first Zulu show. I think I now understand that even with versatility, I need to work with what's been best for me, show a bit of me and not try be someone else on stage.

How do you prepare for your performances? Do you get nervous when getting on stage?

“I know that I just want myself to be exposed to be God's great plans, after this competition, it will be the beginning of Tyler as an established artist.

“I always tell myself that I can't be the one fighting with what I want most and that's the nerves. I don't want to be the enemy of my own success. I know I have an opportunity to show SA my talent.”

What do you want the audience to remember you for?

“I want to be remembered for having a good performance and always giving my all and always being myself. I appreciate that I am able to have that self control in myself. I always knew that singing was in the cards for me, I decided in the 10th grade and have been trying my best to find my place there. I think this is what I am made for.” 

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