Last night the Idols judges made some brutal cuts, hopefully giving South African viewers some great talent to listen to for the next few weeks.

“Gentlemen, I don’t know about you but I’m actually sick to my stomach,” said Unathi, “because I’m realising we are actually sending home some good singers.”

The first to hear their fate were Durban twins, Anele and Neliswa. We got off to an emotional start when Unathi told Neliswa that they felt that she’d battle with the contemporary songs “so unfortunately you are not going through.”

If it's any consolation, the girls have already hit the studio and will feature on Zahara’s new album. 

The judges also felt although Anele was undoubtedly talented, she was not emotionally ready for the competition. “We feel this process could destroy your spirit,” Unathi told her.

We breathed a sigh of relief when the Idols judges announced Cape Town’s Benjamin would be wooing the ladies a little longer.

When all Randall said was: “You are going to leave,” Benjamin was sure his Idols dream had come to an end and was already making his way out when Randall said: “You are going to leave a very happy person because you are in the Top 16.”

Lee-Ron, Jono and Musa soon followed suit. The first girl to claim her spot in the Top 16 was Durban schoolteacher Crystalene Nair. “I’m so so excited, so happy. I can’t believe it! A small little thing like me going through to the Top 16, I’m so happy,” she said.

Then it was down to the final spot for the ladies and we can just imagine what was going through the minds of Zoe and Thato.

“You both look fantastic, you both had really good performances yesterday, which makes our job so difficult. Somewhere we have to find people to send home,” said Gareth. “Thato, I’m afraid it’s the end of the road for you.”

Our hearts broke when Msizi was given his walking papers but we also danced a little when Sonke was told he closed the final eight for the boys.

“There is no denying that the two of you have grown tremendously,” said Unathi. “Msizi, sorry it’s not you my darling. Sonke, welcome to the Top 16.”

Congrats to the Top 16; Benjamin, Jono, Lee-Ron, Musa, Crystalene, Tauna, Brenden, Bunny, Christina, Innocent, Thato, Amy, Philip, Carle, Zoe and Sonke.

Next week the Top eight boys sing for your votes. Watch Idols on M-Net and Mzansi Magic on Sundays at 17:30. 

Here’s hoping Brendan takes his shirt off for his performance.

Charis Apelgren