‘SA Idols’: Jennifer Hudson gives Nozi the nod [watch]

SA Idols contestant Nozi Sibiya has impressed singer Jennifer Hudson with her cover of the song Giving Myself. The reality show contestant performed the song in early September 2022 when she was competing for her spot in the competition’s Top 9.

She did that!

On Thursday 22 September 2022, Hudson shared a video of the performance on Twitter, giving Sibiya her stamp of approval. “Ok I’m a little late but yal (sic) need to hear this ! Nozi on @IdolsSA performed my song “Giving Myself.” If I was there she would have caught a shoe ! ???? She did that !!!”, said Hudson.

Ok I’m a little late but yal need to hear this ! Nozi on @IdolsSA performed my song “Giving Myself.” If I was there she would have caught a shoe ! 👠 She did that !!! pic.twitter.com/aYLvcziIP9

— Jennifer Hudson (@IAMJHUD) September 22, 2022

South Africa’s rising musical talents are making waves abroad this week. First it was John Legend showing love for local recording artist Mthandazo Gatya. Now Sibiya is basking in the glory of her cover of Giving Myself impressing the original artist of the song.

ALSO READ: ‘He loved it’: John Legend gives SA singer nod on TikTok [watch]

Second time’s the charm for Nozi?

According to Idols SA, Sibiya was born in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal in 1995. She is on her second attempt to win the singing competition after only making it through the first elimination round in 2016.

This time she has impressed audiences with both her song choices and much improved vocal range. Judges have praised her command of the craft and her on-stage presence. Hudson is a former contestant and winner of American Idol. Sibiya has told Idols SA that Hudson and another former American Idol contestant Fantasia are Sibiya’s musical heroes.

ALSO READ: IdolsSA latest: Meet the ‘Idols SA’ Top 9 finalists

Sibiya credits her mother for not allowing her to give up on her dream of becoming a recording artist by convincing her to give the show a second try.