PE's Bevin Samuels secures a spot in Idols top 10 in last-minute save

In a close race for the Idols' muchcoveted top 10 spot, Port Elizabeth’s Bevin Samuels made the cut on Sunday night.

With the Eastern Cape’s hopes resting on his shoulders, Samuels, 19, from Gelvandale, along with three other male contestants, were told they were not safe and had to wait for the judges to decide on saving them or not.

Just before a commercial break, the judges told the contestants they would be saving two guys and letting go of three girls.

In an interview with host ProVerb backstage, Samuels thanked his supporters.

“I’ve worked extremely hard since I got here and I just want to thank each and everyone who voted for me,” a visibly worried Samuels said.

Meanwhile, back home, Samuels’ aunt, Zaakira Ellen, said she had the most “horrible experience” when the judges announced he was not safe.

“I can’t believe the votes weren’t enough because we voted all night long,” Ellen said.

She said family members had three phones each, voting on We Chat because “one person was allowed a hundred votes each”.

“We’re so emotional because we campaigned at schools, shopping malls and the streets with banners but this just proves that God is mighty and He will come through for Bevin,” she said.

Ellen implored people to vote for Bevin.

The youngest guy in the competition, it is clear last week’s performance of Chris Brown’s clean version of Back to Sleep hit all the right notes with the judges. In making the top 10, Samuels has won prizes worth R85 000 and is still in line to be South Africa’s favourite singer.

If you want to keep him in the competition, SMS 03 to 37400.