IT was exceptional display of musical prowess on Sunday, April 24, at the ongoing music reality show, Nigerian Idol, as the top six contestants got the judges and the audience amazed with stunning performances in their bid to outwit one another for a spot in the grand finale.
The Bigi sponsored talents discovery show, which will climax on May 20, will see the winner smile home with N100,000,000 worth of prizes that include a recording deal from a renowned label, a brand-new Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), cash prize, and other exciting gifts.
Indeed, an exhilarating night of outstanding performances, the six contestants, Jordan, Banty, Itohan, Zadok, Faith, and Progress demonstrated why they have continued to earned the viewers’ votes that kept them in the show to the sixth-week.
At the end of pulsating performances with systematic stage display and sonorous vocals that got the judges and the audience admiration, David Operah was sent packing, as his journey in the reality show ended on the night.
Highpoint of the night was when the winner of Season 6, Kingdom Kroseide, and a runner-up, Akunna, joined the contestants to perform D’Banj’s club banger, ‘Oliver Twist’, which was released 10 years ago.
The performance, earned the artistes a standing ovation from the judges that include entertainment mogul, Obi Asika; afropop icon, Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo better known as D’banj; singer and sound engineer, Simisola Bolatito Kosoko popularly known as Simi, and the show host, IK Osakioduwa.
The night performances kicked off with Burna Boy’s ‘Anybody’ by Jordan, with commendation from Asika saying, “You have made Burna Boy proud.”
Simi and D’Banj affirmed that they were surprised at first when he started, thinking he might not go far with the song rendition, but were wowed with his performance.
Banty followed with ‘Love Don’t Cost a Dime’ a hit by Magixx. This got good comments from the judges, with Simi excitedly saying, “I enjoyed the song, overjoyed with the way you delivered it,” while D’Banj and Asika said, “it was amazing.”
17 years old Itohan, and the youngest of the contestants did justice to Yemi Alade’s “NaGode”, and this got D’Banj to say, “each time you get on stage, you perform well considering your age. Content is in you and it is the biggest exploit.”
For Simi it was “Good one” while Asika stated, “You are very comfortable when you sing, that was lovely.”
Intriguingly, Zadok, whose performance the previous week thrilled the judges, sang Kiss Daniel’s ‘Laye’ and got the audience carried away with his stage display, body movement that earned him a standing ovation.
He was hailed for his continuous musical skills, as Simi stated, “Zaddy Baby, l love you,” while D’Banj on his part urged him to keep the fire burning in him. Faith did well with ‘Emiliana’ by Ckay, and got the judges elated, with Simi’s comment that she goes for songs that suits her voice. D’Banj expressed satisfaction with her act saying “God bless you” and Asika said “beautiful performance.”
Progress performance of Ayra Starr’s ‘Bloody Samaritan’ was commended by the judges with Asika saying, “you brought in positive energy into your act and you did well.”
For Simi, “it was astonishing,” while D’Banj said, “l love how you perform.”
Another highpoint of the night was the presentation of a birthday cake to Simi by her superfan, the top-notch hiplife artiste, Adekunle Gold.
