16th March, 2011
As the grand finale of Nigerian Idol draws near, one thing is sure, on Sunday 27 March, millions of viewers will not easily forget the galaxy of stars that attended, judged and performed at the event.
Since January, Nigeria’s hottest musical stars appeared on Nigerian Idol as judges as well as perform their hit numbers.
Mo’ Hits recording artiste, Dr. Sid, the man behind hits such as Pop Champagne, Something About You and Over the Moon was the first artiste to hit the stage. Aside performing his songs, he offered the contestants useful tips from his years of experience.
R&B singer Waje also left her mark on the show. Ever since her anonymous feature on P-Square’s hit single Do Me, the artiste is widely regarded as Nigeria’s most gifted female vocalist. According to Glory who was evicted last week, Waje was her favourite judge. “I can just relate to everything she said when she came on the show, and then backstage, she gave me a word of advice I will never forget,†says Glory.
During the movie soundtrack week, soul singer Lami was the guest judge and her week was one the contestants will not easily forget, especially Naomi Mac who is in the final four. “I totally love Lami; aside the fact that she commended my performance, she also said a lot to me backstage. I also love Banky W,†said Naomi.
Banky W, one of Nigeria’s hotter R&B acts, was also a guest judge. His evaluation and critique of the contestants’ performances helped to better stage craft and singing skills. Judging by the growth of the contestants, it is easy to deduce that the format of using Nigeria’s biggest and most talented artistes who are still active recording artistes as judges has paid off.
They have been able to spice up the show and share their wealth of experience with the contestants. A prime example is Emmanuel the Great who says he was inspired by one of Nigeria’s fast rising pop acts, Jesse Jagz, who is responsible for the hits Wetin Dey and Jago.
“We are glad to have these artistes on the show, these talents look up to them, they want to be like them and it is a good way to make them feel the excitement,†Producer Lillias Bode says.
Nigerian Idol is a television reality show with a nation-wide search for Nigeria’s next solo superstar, which will offer one young hopeful the opportunity that raw talented singers have until now, only dreamed of.
—Funsho Arogundade
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