*What shall we say to this thing, hivers? Isn't Nigeria so full of many incredible talents?
You name one thing (anything) and you'll see at least one Nigerian that is satisfactory excellent in such a thing, to say the least. From the world of technology and science, to the sphere of medicine to the realm to arts and music, Nigeria is well represented. To my non-Nigerian readers, this is how we say it over here; "WE BE NAIJA. WE NO DEY CARRY LAST". 😂
Anyways, this post is simply to share my insight on the arguably most popular TV show in Nigeria and the whole of Africa at large; Nigerian Idol (season 7). The show rakes over 20 million votes per week from viewers to ensure that their favorite contestants remain on the show. I don't know how best to say this, guys but if you haven't been following the show, I enjoin you to do so cuz brooooo😱.
THE FORMAT OF THE SHOW
The show began with registrations and auditions which was held in Lagos, Nigeria on the 4th of December, 2021 but premiered on the 6th of February, 2022. During the auditions, each contestant is given 30 seconds to impress the Judges (D'Banj, Simi and Obi Asika). Coming as a massive leap from the season 6 which saw Kingdom emerge as the winner, over 10,000 entries were received, leaving the judges with the responsibility of selecting just 75 to proceed to the next stage of the competition; the Theatre Week. Ohhh!!! These judges must really be topnotch when it comes to looking out for excellence, to the finest of details, in any musical style you are bringing to the table, coupled with your originality.
PRICE MONEY OF THE SHOW
The winner of the competition is going home with a grand prize worth N100 Million which includes a brand-new SUV, a recording deal and other cash and kind prizes. This is a sharp upgrade from last season's grand prize which was N30 million worth of prizes. What can we say? Bigi, one of Nigerian's top tier carbonated drinks production and distribution Company is doing the most.
THE ELIMINATION PROCESS
During the theatre week, each contestant is expected to earn a spot in the live shows by both singing in duets and solo. This stage saw just 12 contestants proceed to the live shows namely in no particular order; Zadok, Progress, Peace, Abigail, Jordan, Itohan, Debby, Faith, Joel, Gerald, David Operah and Banty. At this point, voting channels were opened for the first time on the show. The first round of elimination saw Joel and Precious exit the show, saving Gerald and Abigail only to be eliminated in the next round. Quite sad 😂. Two successive elimination rounds would see and Debby and David Operah exit the show, respectively. And so, it was down to 6 contestants; Itohan, Zadok, Progress, Jordan, Faith and Banty out of over 10,000 participants. I must say at this that these guys are a truckload of music talents and anyone who got eliminated at this point is as good a singer as the rest.
Then came what none of them saw coming; A double elimination. Two of my faves, Itohan and Faith were eliminated from the show, bringing the number down to 4 contestants; Progress, Zadok, Jordan and Banty (the last female singer on the show). Jordon would then be eliminated and the rest, progressing to the final stage of the competition. Notwithstanding, these final 4 are fantastic in their own rights. Think of them as "Fantastic Four" Hmmm🤔😂
Top 3; Progress, Banty and Zadok with the Show's host, IK
FROM OBSCURITY TO BEING CELEBRITIES
I can bet my last dime that no name from this top 4 contestants will ring a bell if anyone had mentioned their names on the busy streets of Lagos or in the lively hearts of Port Harcourt or Kaduna Cities. But now, just like a bell in your heads, these names will keep ringing. These talents have seen their social media followership increase tremendously during their run on the show. Just last week, they were offered the opportunity to perform in front of celebrities and big guns in the African Movie Industry in the just concluded African Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA). But would it interest you to know that Jordan has been a recording artist before coming on the show, and has an Extended Playlist (EP) out already? Or that Zadok has being into music for a while and have connections with some well-known figures in the Nigerian Music? All thanks to the platform and stardom Nigerian Idol has offered them to showcase the stuff they are made of, even beyond the competition.
Judges - D'Banj, Obi Asika and Simi; Top 3 and the Show's host, IK
**Don't worry, hivers. I perceived at the start that there might be a sequel post to this. I was right after all. in my next post I will be shedding more light into the lives of these Stars before and during the show, and what they hope to achieve after the show. **
So, that's it guys. Nigerian Idol in its most concise form for your reading pleasure 😍. But no greater pleasure than watching the show for yourself. Till my next post, keep winning and ruling your worlds.
From me to you, Peace ✌️