The competition always heats up torward the end as is evidenced by the passionate stanning and heated debate we've seen all over our timelines lately. Botlhale might have bowed out of the running but not without those who support him putting up a serious fight! Over 14 million votes were cast in the week he was eliminated proving how hotly contested the Top 2 spots were. Naturally, his fans were devastated but to peg this as a loss is to disregard Botlhale's impressive & almost faultless record.
Botlhale is fighter and even his audition story is unlike anyone else's this season. He auditioned for The Voice SA last year then twice again on Idols this season before scoring that fateful, golden ticket at Carnival City! This feat is even more impressive when one takes into account that he almost didn't audition for Idols and had to be spurred on by his family. A fact they revealed later in the show.
That first triumph led to many more with Botlhale becoming one of the few gents who excelled in Theatre Week despite being given a song that was hugely challenging and a complete departure from anything he was used to. Once he did get a chance to pick his own songs however, there was no stopping him. In fact, he almost became famous for nailing his song choices everytime.
- and while we agree, we'd like to think the best decision he ever made was treating us to a spectacular cover of 'Sedilaka' by The Soil. It was one of his most heartfelt performances. Unathi summed it up perferctly when she told him he'd made even people who don't know the language feel every, single emotion!
There's no denying that Botlhale was a bit of silent slayer too. An all-too-common mistake many contestants make is giving too much away quite soon into the competition, which means they peak early. Botlhale elected to pace himself and bloom during the Live Shows. He also remains one of the contestants that we can honestly say, never had a bad performance though his showstopper was quite incredible. We think many will agree that his cover of 'Never Let Me Go' cemented his position as a front-runner in the competition.
All in all, Botlhale is seriously talented and committed and that's why we're certain he's going to make inroads in the SA music industry, post-Idols. He's also a gracious soul, something that can clearly be seen in our final one on one with him. Humility, will take you places raw talent and grit alone, will never. Have a look at what he says lies ahead and peep his booking information too. All the best Botlhale. You were fanastic!
The Idols SA Finale airs on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) this Sunday at 17:00. VOTING for Season 13 is now closed but don't forget to stay connected and up to date by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.