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Tag: Nigerian Idol

  • NIGERIAN IDOL: Top 12 contestants unveiled

    NIGERIAN IDOL: Top 12 contestants unveiled

    Optima Media Group (OMG), franchise owners of Nigerian Idol TV Reality Show, has unveiled the last 12 contestants in the on-going season 5 of the show.

    With the announcement, the top 12 most outstanding acts will be squaring up against one another from the week of April 26 for the N7.5 million top spot cash reward as well as other multi-million naira juicy offers, chief among which include a recording deal with South Africa-based Universal Music label, and a brand new SUV car. They had beaten 20 others to make the cut.

    Those who made the cut are; Ogunmoyero Modoluwamu (Dolu), Oyinkepreye Deborah Toun (Preye), Janet Ebiwari Ayoka (Ayoka), Godson Goodluck (Classic Tunez), Ogunrombi Kunle (K-Peace), Esther Aritheshoma Monday (Sther), Adigwe Brenda Ada (Brenda), Ekeoma Victor Chibuzor (Prime), Paul Manuwa (P.Scholes), Okemiri Uloma Margaret (Uloma), Omodele Diana Fatoki (Modele) and Ese-Amadasun Imuetiyan (Nex2).

    For some, making the top 12 list was rather easy, thanks to their stellar performances and the public voting process. Others had to travel the nervy route of uncertainty, happenstance, and the Judges’s Wild Card to get to this stage.

    In the first eviction show featuring 10 contestants from an initial pool of 30, Prime, Dolu and Preye expectedly got the nod ahead of seven others, after posting outstanding performances to position as the top choices of both the judges and the viewing public.

    The second batch, dubbed the ‘group of Death’, saw Brend, Tama Nisa and Nex2 emerging victorious. The third batch threw up the likes of K-Peace, Ayoka and Uloma while Sther, Modele and P.Scholes were picked to complete the puzzle by the judges through the wild card route.

    The unveiling, which took place at the Dream Studios, Ojodu-Omole over the weekend was in association with Show sponsor, Etisalat Nigeria and partners, Payporte, Cool Fm, Tantalizers, Tom-Tom, Zaron, Dabur Toothpaste, So-Klin, ORS and Ellen Suites.

  • Enter first three contestants for ‘Nigerian Idol’s’ Top 12

    AS this year’s edition of music reality show, Nigerian Idol, inches towards the Top 12 stage, the coast is clear for three contestants who have just made the list for the next stage of the musical contest.

    The lucky trio, Preye, Dolu and Prime emerged from the fist group of 10, from which seven others were dropped last Wednesday. They include Nana, Aisy, Tobore, Paradise, Blue C,  Franchesca and Play P.

    The same process will be carried out on the next two groups of 10s, to arrive at nine winners. Afterwards, all losers will be assembled again for another set of three who will emerge through a Wild Card, to complete the Top 12 spot.

    Show anchor, Illrhymz, announced the first set of three winners during the eviction show at the OMG Dream Studios.  The emergence of the three was true to the prediction of the judges who had singled out four of the contestants for exceptional performances during the group’s stage show. It was however a suspense-filled moment for the contestants as none of them was sure of going through. The situation got worse when Dede, a judge, took to a song in Pidgin to remind them that seven of them had to leave. Prime was the first to let off the hook, followed by Dolu and then Preye.

    “It was a torturing moment for me. It was pretty much, and I was at the point of ‘if it happens, so be it,’” revealed Dolu.

    Speaking about his ouster, Play P who was tipped to scale the top 30 admitted his disappointment, but expressed optimism in making the number through the judges’ Wild Card door.

    “I feel disappointed because I have sacrificed enough to be the top 30. This would be my third attempt on the show having been here in the last two seasons. This season, I came with a game plan from the start, so I am very certain of a wild card spot,” he said.

    Ten new contestants have been put up for eviction in what is the second batch of the group stage performance.

    The contestants performed at the weekend before the show’s celebrity judges, Dede Mabiaku, Yinka Davies and Darey Art Alade and a live audience at the renowned OMG Dream studios.

    TV Continental has joined the ranks of TV stations signed to broadcasting the enchanting reality show. The station which went on air last Friday started with the broadcast of the zonal auditions previously shown on other partner stations. It will subsequently run all previous episodes on daily basis at 8.30 pm until it catches up with broadcasts for the on-going group stage performances.

    The show focuses on discovering Nigerian youths with talent in music and giving them a unique platform to take shots at stardom. The eventual winner goes home with N7.5 million cash reward, a brand new car, a recording deal worth N7.5 million with Universal Music label and some high-end devices.

  • Nigerian Idol: performance puts judges to sleep

    Nigerian Idol: performance puts judges to sleep

    A humorous incident occurred over the weekend when two of the celebrity judges on the Nigerian Idol Season 5 TV reality show took a sarcastic nap while one of the contestants, Iheanacho Nancy, who goes by the stage name Nana, was performing.

    Afrobeat maestro, Dede Mabiaku and R ‘n’ B crooner, Darey ‘Art’ Alade could not face the disappointing performance by the contestant, and to express this, they decided to lay down their heads on the table in a mock expression of sleep.

    After some bland showing earlier by some of the contestants who made the first batch of ten from the pool of 30 contestants, the judges had expected Nana to put up a re-assuring performance in keeping with her potentials and past experiences on the show, having featured consecutively in the past three editions. But as it turned, the 23-year-old, who performed the song Bin, Bing, Bang by Katy Tiz, failed to measure up.

    “You sang like you were singing to yourself. You have a lot to offer, not this. Even your auditions were better than this,” Yinka Davies jibes at her.

    Speaking shortly after the show, Nana, who prides herself by her husky voice, blamed her poor delivery of the song on the difficulty in combining the mastering of the lyrics and delivery on stage, a task she claimed was made more difficult by her lack of previous knowledge of the song.

    Meanwhile, eight other contestants also performed in the first batch of the group stage phase. These include, Ogunmoyero Modolowamu (Dolu), Iwuchukwu Franca (Franchesca), Oyinkepreye Deborah Toun (Preye), Edema Paradise Weyinmi (Paradise), Okukusie Precious Ajiri (Play P), Ekeoma Victor Chibuzor (Prime), Efuetanu Tobore Ezekiel (Tobore) and Orah Ojochenemi John (Blue C).

    The fifth season of the Nigerian Idol competition currently airs on both terrestrial and satellite stations and, according to the producers, it continues in the weekend of April 4 and 5, across the country.

  • Nigerian Idol contestants now 30 …Battle for final 12 begins today

    Nigerian Idol contestants now 30 …Battle for final 12 begins today

    From the 100 music wannabes shortlisted for this year’s Nigerian Idol reality show, 70 have been shown the door, leaving the show with 30, who today, begin the next battle for the top 12 spots.

    The current 30 contestants are expected to face further technically grueling theatre audition, conducted by the show’s celebrity judges, Dede Mabiaku, Yinka Davies and Darey ‘Art’ Alade at the OMG’s Dream Studios, Ojodu-Omole, Lagos.

    Still in the race are, Ogunmoyero Modolowamu, Iwuchukwu Franca, Oyinkepreye Deborah Toun, Edema Paradise Weyinmi, Aisosa Edeh-Nosa, Janet Ebiwari Ayoka, Anya Precious Chukusoro,Tama Nisa, Maurice Nandom Dagwa, Godson Goodluck, Annabel Paul Blacledge, Ogunrombi Kunle, Esther Aritheshoma Monday, Adigwe Brenda Ada and Okukusie Precious Ajiri.

    Others include Ekeoma Victor Chibuzor, Olowojoba Segun David, Clinton Oti, Paul Manuwa, Harry Etim , Efuetanu Tobore Ezekiel, Sopriye Opusunju, Orah Ojochenemi John, Kelvin Oluwaseyi  Audu, Osayomore Joseph Ighonogie, Okemiri Uloma Margaret, Iheanacho Ogechi Nancy, Omodele Diana Fatoki, Obasi Oluchi Ojukwu and Ese-Amadasun Imuetiyan.

    The 30 contestants will perform before live audiences in three batches of 10 from which three most outstanding performers will emerge per batch through a public voting process. The nine best performers pooled from the three batches through the voting process will be joined by three others through the judges’ wild cards to make up the Top 12.

    One of the contestants who was dropped from the competition is Ame Igiri, the 24 year-old medical student who was rewarded with a flight ticket by the three celebrity judges at the Abuja zonal auditions.

    He said: “I have learnt my lessons though in a hard way,” began a relaxed Ame. “This is my first time on this, so I did not quite understand what it would take to get to the next phase. I will go work on the things that went wrong.”

    The show, which is in its fifth season, continues to air on both terrestrial and satellite stations today and tomorrow across the country.

    The eventual winner goes home with N7.5 million cash reward, a brand new car, a recording deal worth N7.5 million with Universal Records and some high-end devices.

  • Nigerian Idol 5 unveiled

    Nigerian Idol 5 unveiled

    Optima Media Group and Etisalat Nigeria have unveiled the season five television reality, Nigerian Idol.

    The Executive Director of Optima Media Group (OMG), Nigerian Idol franchise owners, Mrs. Ugochi Pedro, said the reality show has established its mark as a leading talent hunt platform that provides  opportunities for budding music stars to be discovered and nurtured for stardom.

    “For five years, we have been on this interesting journey of changing lives and helping people achieve life dreams. The key thing for us is to see these discovered talents become the real stars they are designed to be. We are taking this commitment to a new level this season. Nigerians can expect many exciting moments ahead,” she said.

    Also, Etisalat Director, Brands and Experience, Mr. Enitan Denloye, described this edition of the Nigerian Idol show as “a season of differentiation” that will raise the bar in the show.

    Meanwhile, three judges have been appointed for the season. They include Afrobeat star, Dede Mabiaku; vocalist Yinka Davies and R’n’ B crooner, Dare ‘Art’ Alade.

    The winner will get N7.5 million, a brand new car, a recording deal worth N7.5 million and some electronic devices.

  • Nigerian Idol 5 underway

    Nigerian Idol 5 underway

    FOREMOST Nigerian franchise owners, Optima Media Group, have announced their readiness for the 5th edition of music reality show, Nigerian Idol.

    The show is in partnership with Telecommunications Company, Etisalat Nigeria and carbonated drink, Pepsi, with other sponsors such as Payporte and Dabur Herbal.

    The organisers said in a statement that the unveiling of the annual music TV reality show is billed to hold in the first week of this year, at a venue to be announced later, in Lagos.

    According to the statement, the unveiling will also feature the public presentation of the three-man panel of celebrity judges for the show and modalities, including procedures for participation in addition to the offer of opportunity for a press idol to emerge through an on-the-spot singing competition. This, they say, will reward the top performer of the day with a prize of USD1000.

    Group Managing Director of Optima Media Group, Rotimi Pedro, expressed delight in the potential of the platform to offer talented Nigerian youths with flair for music, the unique opportunity to express themselves on a global stage while creating a career path for themselves.

    “We are delighted to be able to create the right and unique platforms across different fields for Nigerians to take advantage of and maximise their potential. We have successfully done this over the years on a global stage as the Idol franchise provides. Our further commitment is to work with more partners in achieving this,” he said.

    According to Pedro, the winner of the show will get N7. 5 million, a Galaxy Tab, a phone, an iPod, a recording deal with Universal Music Company and a brand new SUV car. The first runner up, he said, will also get N1.5 million, a Galaxy Tab, phone and iPod, while the 2nd runner up will receive N1million, a Galaxy Tab, phone and an iPod. In addition, each of the finalists from 4th to 10th place will also receive N100, 000, a Galaxy Tab, phone and an iPod each.

    Expected to perform during the course of the reality show, are past winners such as Yeka Onka, Mercy Chinwo, Moses Adigwe and Evelle.

    For the show which begins in March, auditions are expected to hold between January and February across five Nigerian cities, including Benin City, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Ibadan and Lagos.

  • ‘We’re committed to EMPOWERING Nigerian youths’

    ‘We’re committed to EMPOWERING Nigerian youths’

    OFFICIAL beverage sponsor of Nigerian Idol, Pepsi, has pledged more support to Nigerian youths on several platforms either in entertainment, sports or education.

    At the unveiling gala of the last 12 contestants in the ongoing season of Nigerian Idol, General Manager, Seven-Up Bottling Company, Ikeja Plant, Mr. Dele Abioye, said Pepsi had been inspiring young talented Nigerians to live their dreams.

    “Pepsi’s involvement in Nigerian Idol from season one is in line with the brand’s pop-culture of inspiring talented young Nigerians to live their dreams in music and entertainment.

    “Pepsi is committed to the empowerment of Nigerian youths, as we look forward to unleashing creative talents into the entertainment world. One of the 12 contestants will be crowned the fourth Nigerian Idol, thereby joining Yeka, Mercy, and Moses, our previous winners, in the last three seasons.”

    The highpoint of the evening was the performance of two of the judges, Nneka and Dede Mbiaku, with the group of contestants.

    Two contestants will be evicted every week until the final two vie for the star prize on June 7.

  • Nigerian Idol Season 4: Etisalat unveils top 12 contestants

    Nigerian Idol Season 4: Etisalat unveils top 12 contestants

    After the initial auditions in five cities across Nigeria, an exercise that eventually threw up the top 30 Nigerian youths who struggled to be Nigeria’s next big super star, Nigerian Idol season 4 sponsored by Etisalat has finally announced its top 12 contestants.

    The 12 contestants, who were unveiled at an event last Saturday in Lagos, will be housed for another eight weeks to show their musical prowess before the esteemed judges and audience, as they battle for the top prize of N7.5 million, a Galaxy Tab, a Blackberry, an iPod and a brand new SUV car.

    This year’s top 12 contestants are: Zibili Evelyn, Lisa Omoregebe, Elvis Ejiro, Paul Enoma, Odugbemi Idown Sarah, Ogechukwu Okafor, Obed Emmanuel Ogbonna, Ese Idowu, Ese Nyerhovoo, Anthony Akpan, Beebee Bassey and Jesse Okonkwo.

    Speaking at the event, the Director, Brands & Communication, Etisalat Nigeria, Enitan Denloye said: “The concept of unveiling the Top 12 contestants is to formally showcase the talents that the viewers have selected to move to the gala show. We are happy to witness another high point in this season. As we have promised, this season will be more interesting and it will once again empower another set of Nigerian youths, in line with our brand commitment of youth empowerment and development.”

    Also, the Chief Executive Officer, Optima Group, Rotimi Pedro, who took the audience on the journey so far while appreciating the continued support of Etisalat, said: “I must confess that I appreciate the effort of our sponsor, Etisalat in the last four years. We appreciate their investment in this show right from the beginning and we believe that they will continue to do more.

    “Before getting to the top 12 stage, the show has gone through series of stages, starting from the auditioning to the top-100 stage and gradually to the top-30 stage. At the top 30 stage, the contestants were divided into three groups of 10. Nine contestants were selected by the viewers at home through their votes, while the remaining three contestants were the judges’ choice through the wild card show. At this stage, the decision as to who stays or leaves will be fully determined by the audience.”

    Interestingly, the judges shared their joy on the success the show had recorded so far. Nneka, who spoke on behalf of the judges, said: “We are all happy for the choice made and we are confident that the 12 finalists will not disappoint us as we move on.”

  • Nigerian Idol IV: Judges hail results

    Nigerian Idol IV: Judges hail results

    Penultimate week, the last group of 10 contestants in the Nigerian Idol Season Four competition sponsored by Etisalat, came under the hammer of evictions, with only three sailing to the Top 12 stage.

     Beebee Bassey, Obed and Nyro Love were voted to stay on in the competition by the public. Following this third stage of competition, a total of nine contestants made it to the next round by public votes.

    When asked about their reactions, the three contestants expressed their gratitude to God and their fans for voting them in.

     Also, the judges seemed to agree with the votes. Darey Art- Alade expressed his delight that, for the first time in the competition, the public had voted along the right lines.

    Dede Mabiaku was more analytical, as he said that one of the three contestants deserved it by virtue of vocal ability, while commending the two others for their performances.

    Speaking on this development in the contest, the Head, Events and Sponsorship, Etisalat Nigeria, Modupe Thani, said: “Nigerians needed to brace up for a season never before seen.”

    She also emphasized that Etisalat was committed to developing talents and giving a voice to the Nigerian youths.

     ”The season IV of the Nigerian Idol is just getting set for high gear and viewers should expect a very special season. Given what I have seen, this year’s Nigerian Idol promises to be truly special and Etisalat is glad to support this array of talents to live up to their potentials.

     ”In its five years of operations, Etisalat Nigeria has become a major industry player with a growing subscriber base of over 18 million in a highly competitive market. Its portfolio of voice and data-centric products include easy starter, easycliq, easybusiness and easyblaze, which are all designed to meet the needs of its customers,” she added.

  • Nigerian Idol: Again, judges frown at voters’ choice

    Nigerian Idol: Again, judges frown at voters’ choice

    Many had waited eagerly for last Saturday night, when the second set of three contestants to enter the Top 12 stage of the competition was to be announced. The tension stemmed from what many perceived as an ugly experience, the previous week, when the judges and a section of the audience felt bad that some talented singers were evicted through public votes.

    Asked what his reaction will be, should the experience repeat itself, Dede Mabiaku had replied show host IllRymz, saying he had developed a thick skin and would accept the result in good fate. But did he? His mouth parted in surprise for a few seconds, looking dazed as Nex2, Miss Oge, and Xolani were announced as the second set of contestants to make it to the Top 12 in the Etisalat-sponsored Nigerian Idol season 4.

    “Ha!” he lamented. “EyeD… EyeD was the best we had here. All of them know this. But she is not there! If you know you watch this programme, please do vote… vote sincerely about what value should be. That’s all we are asking for. I am shocked,” he said dismissingly.

    Darey Art-Alade too could not hide his disappointment. “I am in shock right now. I don’t know what they are watching, I don’t know what they are hearing, Nigerian Idol is about the music, it is about the performance, but sadly it’s also about the voting public,” he lamented.

    Apparently, it was a mix feeling for the trio, as they hugged EyeD and other contestants who did not make it to the next stage.

    Expressing his excitement, Xolani, who was the first to proceed to the Top 12 stage said “being in the Top 12 is like a new level of grace. I’m so happy. I feel like jumping. This is a brand new opportunity for me to show myself and I am really grateful for the turnout and the votes.”

    For Miss Oge, “The journey so far has taught me a lot,” she said. “I have grown in confidence because I never had the chance to perform on such a big stage before, so initially, I was shy and didn’t know how to work my stage act but now I’m gaining more confidence and I’m learning a lot.”

    When asked how glad he was to be in the show, Nex2 said “I want to say a big thank you to Etisalat for making such a show and giving people like me a chance to showcase my innate talent”

    The results of the second voting stage, again, hit Nneka Egbuna, the only female judge with the reality that Nigerian public are the ones who make the final decision.

    With 10 more contestants from the Top 30 group gunning for the third set of 3, there may still be surprises for the judges.

    As usual, viewers are expected to dial the number of their favourite contestant on an Etisalat line, or send the contestant’s number to 33680 via SMS.

    The last group of 10 have all sang for the world to see, and the votes may have started pouring in from their Sunday night show.

    The lucky 3 will be announced next Saturday, to make nine, the number of contestants in the Top 12 category to enter through public votes. The remaining three will be decided by the judges through the Wild Card.