PE teen Bevin Samuels sings way into ‘Idols’ Top 16

Port Elizabeth teenager Bevin Samuels sung his way into the coveted Top 16 stage of the popular Idols SA talent show at the weekend.

The shy 19-year-old, of Gelvandale, is the youngest contestant to make it into the live show rounds of the competition this year.

One of nearly 80 Golden Ticket holders, Samuels’s skills thrust him into the top 16 and he is now hoping to make the city proud.

“I am nervous that South Africa has the power of my future in their hands but all I really want to do is hit the stage and leave my mark,” he said.

“I really hope that the viewers like what I bring to the table and that I can make my province and especially my city proud.”

The level-headed former Chapman High School pupil who matriculated last year, said he hopes to work with Emo Adams in the near future.

“I grew up watching his performances and his versatility has inspired me to pursue my singing goals,” Samuels said. “Usher has also been another influence for me because he also started at a young age.

He has such a good music mind which proves that I can accomplish my goals too.”

He said he believes in a living God and is thankful for the support of his family.

“My family and friends have been great during my journey so far. They have really supported me."

“I am the first one in my family to have achieved something this big. “Hearing my mother scream when I told her I had made it, meant everything to me,” he said.

He said that the remaining contestants had become like a family.

“We have all become really close, much like a family. “The most difficult thing we face together is when someone is eliminated. We have developed a really strong bond,” he said.

Samuels, a first-time entrant, said it was challenging being the youngest contestant in the show but he thought South Africa was ready for a younger winner.

“Being the youngest contestant has put a lot of pressure on me, but I think what plays to my advantage is that a lot of the voters are my age, so I am BEVIN SAMUELS hoping they will vote for me,” he said.