Cimberly Wanyonyi performs the song "Think" in the first Friday final of Idol 2023 on TV4.
You've previously sung the songs 'I Will Survive' and 'Think,' what will it be for this Friday final?
– It will be 'Release Me' by Agnes.
What's the challenge for you with that song?
– Maintaining good dynamics. It must have a full sound. I have an excellent vocal coach who notices things I haven't thought of, and as soon as you become aware of those little 'habits' that are there, it's easier to work on them.
How does your confidence compare today to your first audition?
– Now I have a stronger belief than ever that I belong here. I get that feeling both from the jury and the Swedish people. I've sung so much in Skellefteå and prepared myself for a larger audience. But of course, everything is nerve-wracking before a live broadcast.
"Now I have a stronger belief than ever that there is a place for me in this world," says Skellefteå girl Cimberly Wanyonyi.
Do you Idols receive support before facing a million-strong audience?
– I've talked to a psychologist twice, and then you can consult them more if you feel like you need to. We have mandatory meetings, but then we can contact our Idol psychologist if something feels difficult. Then we have our 'Idol moms' who live with us. They are always there.
What support do your 'Idol moms' provide?
– They are there to make sure we're OK. They check to see if we're down and if we need support. They remind you that you're still good, even if you've received bad feedback from the jury, and that we should focus on what's good instead of what's negative.
Do you have a special 'Idol mom' who you've become particularly close to?
– Anna is special because she made sure I performed my audition. When we arrived at Idolexpressen in Luleå, they had already closed, and I became very sad and decided to go home. But my little brother wanted to go into a store first, so I stayed for a while. Anna, from the Idol team, saw how sad I was and went to the jury and showed them a mobile video of me singing. Then I got to sing for the jury. Even before the competition really started, she was there. So I'm particularly close to her.
Cimberly with her "Idol mom" Anna.
Have you made new friends among the other contestants?
– Yes, they are a great group. And of course, Isak and I are still close friends. He's not a morning person, so I make sure he gets up in the morning.
In Idol Extra, viewers saw a 'how well do they know each other' competition between Isak and Cimberly. They agreed on everything except who was more (as the hosts put it) 'northern'. They both said the other was more northern. But Isak was firm.
– I think it has to be Cimberly. You are calmer, and more modest, he said.
Idol airs Fridays at 20:00 on TV4 Play and TV4.
Line-up
Here are the songs that the participants have chosen to sing on Friday, October 13:
Emil Eriksson sings Brinner i bröstet by Danny Saucedo
Tilda Vodusek sings You by Robin Stjernberg
Louisa Hoxha sings Torn by Lisa Ajax
Jordan Rawling sings Euphoria by Loreen
Saga Ludvigsson sings Kingdom Come by Anna Bergendahl
Cimberly Wanyonyi sings Release Me by Agnes
Aus Ayob sings Tattoo by Loreen
Isak Uddström sings Svag by Victor Leksell
Simon Näslund sings Säga mig by Linnea Henriksson
Antranik Khantarashian sings Starkare by Darin
Olivia Aliotti sings Voices by Tusse.