Three hopefuls off to Gauteng for next round of 'Idols'

THREE Idols hopefuls who auditioned in Port Elizabeth last week have made it to the next phase of the reality TV talent contest.

Gordon Jordaan, 24, Aldrich Makanda, 26, and Silakhe Oyo, 22, will now audition at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria.

Jordaan, who travelled from Johannesburg for his audition, said yesterday it had been worth it. "After I made it to the second round, I knew I was going to be one of the three contestants to go to Johannesburg. I gave my best and I could not believe it when one of the judges sang the old country song Cotton Fields with me. SA should look out because I am the next Idol."

Oyo, who lives with her family in Rowallan Park, said she was a bit nervous with her second audition.

"I sang Orange Coloured Sky by Natalie Cole and Broken-hearted Girl by Beyonce. The judges didn't say much and I could not tell whether they were impressed or not. When they called me on Tuesday I could not believe it," Oyo said.

Makanda, of Walmer, performed Neon Trees's Animal. "It was very nerve-racking, especially when I auditioned the second time around. However, the judges have a way of making one feel comfortable. But the cameras were a bit daunting," he said.

The three leave for Johannesburg next Wednesday. -