BEING voted out of the singing competition Idols last September gave Shekhinah Donnell a chance to focus on her matric studies.

The 18-year-old songstress, who made it to the top eight of the competition, passed the matric examinations with an exemption at Queensburgh Girls High School in Durban.

"I can't believe I passed my matric well besides missing school for two months, while at the Idols house," she said yesterday, attributing her success to the support of her dad, whom she said had encouraged her to put an extra effort in her studies.

"It was tough to put in extra hours, as I had performances as a solo artist across the country, while having to study," Donnell said. "The exams were a bit scary at first, but I ended up being confident."

Donnell said though competing in Idols was hectic, she also had an opportunity to study at the Idols house. "Now that I passed my matric, this year I will focus on my music," she said. "Since I don't have any recording deal offers, I'm going the independent route."

The singer, who is known for her husky voice, said she was determined to make a career out of music. "My generation is privileged enough to have been presented with so many opportunities," she explained. "I'm going after the music career because I believe in myself that I will make it work."

Donnell said she planned to study music theory and musical theatre "in the near future", as she understood the importance of furthereducation.

"With the support of my fans and family behind me in pursuing my music career, nothing can go wrong," she said. Donnell plans to move to Johannesburg as soon as possible, as the city is the hub of the music industry. - Motaud@sowetan.co.za