Idols said goodbye last night to this year's youngest member, 17-year-old Shekhinah "Sheki" Donnell from Durban, when she became the fifth finalist this season to surrender the dream of becoming the next South African Idol.

But in typical Sheki fashion she isn't one to sit and mope – the indefatigable teen is heading right back to school today to sit her exams!

The Top Six had a brief respite from the tension tonight 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 Six 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 sad outcome of this week's vote.

Sheki 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 Unathi said the judges unanimously decided to keep their save in case they need it later in the season.
 
This week's Top Five Spectacular will be recorded at the Home Of Idols, the Mosaïek Teatro, on Friday, 7 September, and broadcast on M-Net, M-Net HD and Mzansi Magic at 5.30pm on Sunday, 9 September.

Tickets are available from Computicket.

Was it Sheki's time to go? Have your say in the comments below!