…Contestants thrills judges, audience with musical prowess
IT was a pulsating musical moment last Sunday, as the reality music contest, Nigerian Idol heats up, with the top four contestants stunning the judges and the audience with their display of exceptional talents.
Each contestant try to outwit the other in the Bigi sponsored show that saw two contenders, Itohan and Faith evicted due to lower votes.
The contestants who performed exhilaratingly got the audience excited, as they thrilled to make it to the next round of show, the grand finale, which is set to hold on May 22.
The winner of this year’s contest will smile home with N100,000,000 worth of prizes, that includes a recording deal from a notable record label, a brand-new Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), cash prizes, and other exciting gifts.
With over 24 million votes recorded in the last episode, the reality contest has kept music lovers surprised with the improved performances of the top four contenders that include Zadok, Jordan, Progress, and Banty.
Before the battle for a spot in the grand finale commenced, all the contestants performed the song ‘Uptown Funk’ by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars.
They had words of encouragement from the judges made up of entertainment mogul, Obi Asika; Afro-pop legend, Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo better known as D’Banj; singer cum sound engineer, Simisola Bolatito Kosoko popularly known as Simi, and singer/actress, Omawunmi Megbele better known by the stage name Omawunmi, who was on the show as a guest judge, to sustain the musical dexterity they had showcased in order to get to the finale.
Kick-starting the evening of battle was Progress, who sang Johnny Drille’s ‘Wait for Me’, and made Asika, who was so delighted with his stage control, affirm that the rendition was splendid, while Simi said, “It was very good.”
Beaming with smile, D’Banj said, “keep progressing as you have proven your worth as a singer,” just as Omawunmi enthused, “I was following your song and it was quite interesting.”
Next was Jordan, who performed ‘Aeroplane mode’ by Fireboy. This earned him good commendation from Simi, who said, “your voice is really fine.”
For the koko master, D’Banj: “you sang from your heart, it is a classic performance,” while Omawunmi said, “your voice is so melodious.” And like the father figure that he is to the contestants, Asika said, “You did well.”
Fascinatingly, Banty’s stage act of Asa’s ‘Bibanke’ was greeted with a standing ovation, with Omawunmi saying “that was so beautiful to watch, your voice was cool.”
Wowed by the performance, Asika said, “your voice was so incredible,” just as Simi stated, “you are perfect, I love you,” and D’Banj enthused, “you have every means to be on top.”
Zadok’s performance of Timi Dakolo’s ‘The Vow’ shook the stage and left everyone astounded, and with a standing ovation.
The performance got heart-warming comments from the judges, with D’Banj saying “I must greet you specially, that was a great voice,” as Omawunmi added, “music is in you, don’t let it go.”
“Unbelievable stage display and vocal, you keep proving me right every week,” Asika remarked, while Simi could not hide her feeling as she said, “I love it.”
The reality show which is powered by the Bigi soft drink brand, a stable from Rite Foods, is aired on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv channel 151), Africa Magic Urban (DStv channel 153), Africa Magic Family (DStv channel 154), GOtv Supa channel 6, and GOtv channel 2.
