'It's every girl's dream' — Lungile Mthethwa on her time on Idols SA

When she didn't get very far on her first try on Idols SA, ending in the top 29 in season 13, Lungile Mthethwa wanted to give herself one more shot at it.

Coming from a singing family, Lungi first performed at the age of seven in church, spending years in the choir and also performing in Venice, Italy and Germany.

She was the first to be evicted from the top 10 that was recently unveiled. 

“It was actually amazing, it was such an incredible experience from my very first audition until now. It's every girl's dream, and it was way more than I expected it to be,” she told TshisaLIVE.

She admits she was not ready when she entered the show the first time around because she was still in matric and too young. 

“I was young, and I think it's the type of show that needs you to be mentally prepared. It's like walking into a world where everybody can sing, it's not just you. It's a different ball game altogether and at that time, I don't think I was ready.

Did the second time prove to be worth it ? 

“This time around I knew what to expect. It was a lot of mental preparation and vocal training to try to prepare for my second time on the show, because I went a little further than I did the last time. I went back because I wanted to prove to myself that I can do this. I felt like there was just more of myself I wanted to experience when it comes to music. 

“I think when I got into the top 12 that was already mind-blowing. When I auditioned now, my hope was to go further than the last time, so I was happy to be in the top 12 alone. Everyone on the show is so talented and it's the last season, I think theatre week prepared us as contestants for the live shows because the pressure was absolutely amazing.”

What do you want the audience to remember you for?

“One thing I hope they remember me by is my tone of voice, and my smile and charisma and that I just worked hard on the show. I just hope they remember my sound and they remember who Lungile Mthethwa is from the works and the performances that I've done on the show.”

What's next for Lungile ?

“Its been a completely different world for the last month in the house, now I'm just trying to take it all in, the exhaustion, the fatigue so when it comes down to a plan I wanted to do something related to my craft while people still remember who I am while the vibe is still there.”

What did Idols do for you as a singer?

“I feel like a different person, like a grown professional. I loved the whole experience — it gave me a taste of what is that I want to do. I had no idea you had to put in so much work. It's not just about singing. I'm just so sad that it's coming to an end. It's something that every vocalist or someone who dreams about music needs to experience for themselves.”