INTERNATIONAL pop and rock star James Blunt sang his heart out last night performing at the Mosaiek Teatro in Fairlands, Johannesburg.

Blunt, who was born in England 37 years ago, is touring South Africa.

Last night he opened the show before the Idols Top 8 contestants could battle it out ahead of the eliminations on Tuesday.

With American R&B, jazz and gospel star Chanté Moore gracing the performance as a guest judge, the aspiring musicians gave it their all.

The Idols Top 8 contestants were backed by the Mzansi Youth Choir.

It was Cape Town-born singer Crushanda Forbes who opened the show well, performing Robert Kelly's classic I Believe I Can Fly. After being among the bottom three Forbes returned to her old form and all four judges were impressed.

Unathi Msengana said: "That was very emotive and inspiring. I like the fact that you were comfortable with the song."

Moore praised her saying: "That was beautiful. You were just great."

Forbes was followed by another promising singer, Erin Fourie picked Put A Little Love In Your Heart by Jackie DeShannon. Gareth Cliff and Msengana thought Fourie's performance was the best.

Meanwhile, Randall Abrahams and Moore felt it was not good enough.

After Kelly Fortuin was saved by the judges last week from going home, she was back yesterday hoping to impress the public. She performed the Aretha Franklin and George Michael hit I Knew You Were Waiting For Me.

But some of the judges were not won over.

"I like your voice because it is very original. But I do not know if it was strong enough," Cliff said.

Lefa Pike, who was among the top three, gave an inspiring performance.

He performed Lean on Me by Bill Withers.

Cliff said: "This is the best ever performance in this competition."

On Tuesday two contestants, who have low public votes, will be eliminated.