But in typical Donnell fashion, she isn’t one to sit and mope – the indefatigable teen is heading right back to school tomorrow to sit her exams.

The Top 6 had a brief respite from the tension when they got to watch South African superstar Lira open the show with the Labi Siffre classic, (Something Inside) So Strong, but then it was down to the business at hand.

Idols host ProVerb separated the Top 6 into three groups: Simphiwe and Khaya, Melissa and Thsidi, and Monde and Sheki. Idols judge Gareth Cliff said he was pleased the decision wasn’t up to them and fellow judge Unathi Msengana predicted that, based on the comments from her Metro FM listeners, Melissa and Thsidi would definitely be safe.

But ProVerb dropped a bombshell when he declared Khaya and Simphiwe to be safe. Anxious viewers – and even more anxious Idols – had to wait until after a commercial break to learn the outcome of this week’s vote.

Donnell gave a passionate performance of Lady Gaga’s Marry The Night to persuade the judges to exercise their one and only save of the season, but Msengana said the judges unanimously decided to keep their save in case they need it later in the season.

This week’s Top 5 Spectacular will be recorded at the Mosaïek Teatro, on Friday, 7 September, and broadcast on M-Net, M-Net HD and Mzansi Magic at 17:30 on Sunday, 9 September.

Tickets are available from Computicket.