For the first time in Nigerian Idol history, 11 finalists stepped up on the live show stage.
This season’s judges – Obi Asika, Seyi Shay and DJ Sose, spent weeks wading through the hopeful applicants to select those who made the final list. It was so challenging they couldn’t send someone home. And now they are 11.
From the weeks of the open auditions to the theatre week, we’ve watched these talented singers grow as musicians and sing their way into our hearts through the solo auditions to the first live show. But at the end of the day, everyone can’t be the next Nigerian Idol.
So we’re predicting who we think will make it to the top five and why.
Kingdom
Right from the start, Kingdom shone a bright light at the open audition with a performance of Whitney Houston’s ‘I Look To You’ that left Seyi Shay teary-eyed. During the theatre week, Kingdom sailed effortlessly through the two group stages, smashed his solo stage with praises from all the judges and became the first contestant to make the top 11.
At the live show, Kingdom performed ‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight’ by Lebo M. It was the perfect ending to a riveting show, and we can say he has the audience hooked. All his performances have been stellar, showing solid vocal skill and performance ability.
Akunna
Akunna impressed the judges at the open auditions, who unanimously decided that she was worthy of a golden ticket after her rendition of James Arthur’s hit song “Roses”. During the theatre week, a forgetful teammate almost ruined the group stages for her, but she skillfully saved the day.
During the solo stage, Akunna lost her voice, but her performance of Simi’s Joromi was so electric, we hardly noticed. For the ‘African Legend’ themed live audition, Akunna opened the floor with a powerful rendition of Angelique Kidjo’s ‘Wombo Lombo’. The audience was elated as they took to social media to pour praises on the 23-year-old singer.
Daniel
When Daniel walked in with his guitar, we didn’t know what to expect. But as he sang his original song for the auditions, we were left smiling from ear to ear as the judges commended his penmanship. Daniel sailed quickly through the group stages as their sweet performance of Teni’s ‘Billionaire’ got him closer to the finals.
Daniel rendered a brilliant version of Alexandra Burke’s ‘Hallelujah’ that Obi Asika described as “incredible” for the solo stage. Choosing the final contestant for the top 10 left the judges so conflicted that he alongside another contestant were taken in. For the ‘African Legend’ themed live show, Daniel gave us his energetic performance of ‘I’ve Got You Babe’ by Lucky Dube with Seyi Shay up and dancing.
Daniel is dominating the show with nothing but great comments from the judges and the viewing public expressing their pleasure in his performances.
Francis
Francis caught the judges attention during the open auditions with his cover of Sam Smith’s ‘I’m Not The Only One’ that earned him a unanimous yes and a golden ticket. During theatre week, his cover of ‘Tonight’ by John Legend was very well received by the judges, and his group performance of ‘Billionaire’ by Teni had us all dancing.
It was no surprise that he made his way to the final 11, and when he performed ‘Remember Me’ by Lucky Dube as a tribute to his late father for the live show, our hearts melted even more. It was one of the strongest vocal performances of the night, with judges very impressed by his vocal range, which he displayed with the song. Indeed, a strong contender for the top five spots.
Dotun
Dotun Deloye performed an emotional rendition of Labrinth’s “Jealous” and earned himself a golden ticket at the open auditions. During the Theatre week, his group performance with Beyonce and Daniel had the judges dancing. When he delivered a skilful cover of ‘Sade’ by Adekunle Gold for his solo performance, he earned his spot among the finalists.
At the ‘African Legend’ themed live show, Dotun, who opted to perform a cover of Miriam Makeba’s “Malaika”, was praised by Obi Asika and DJ Sose for his vocal range and emotive display, and Seyi Shay described the rendition as “captivating.”
All the contestants have displayed impressive skill and vocal talent, but these five have had us in a thrall anticipating their next performances. This, though, is just our prediction. The real power to decide who makes it is in your hands.
To vote for your favourite contestants and keep them in the competition, send “Vote” and the contestant’s unique number (1-11) to 32053 at the cost of N30 per SMS. You can also register on the MyDStv App and MyGOtv App to vote for free. The best part is, you can vote more than once. The voting window closes by 9.00 pm on Wednesday, May 12, 2021.
