It’s not Nigerian Idol if it does not have the best, the worst and of course, the funniest. Season 7 of Nigeria’s biggest musical talent hunt show began on Sunday, February 6, with the first round of auditions. Obi Asika returned as a judge with the new entry of multiple award-winning singers, D’banj, and hitmaker, Simi. The trio had their hands full as they worked to sieve the wheat from the chaff.
With thousands of entries, the judges were thrilled, wowed, entertained, shocked and went through all kinds of emotions, sometimes singing along to sonorous voices or covering their ears to jarring sounds.
The first contestant who walked into the room, Obinna Dominic, did not make the cut, but he gave the judges a reason to smile with his confidence and special delivery that suggests he was on the show to take it by force. D’banj jokingly urged him to re-apply next year; perhaps he would be ready to be a star by then.
30-year old Jitey Chukwuana reminded everyone it is never too late to chase your dream. The radio presenter dazzled the judges with her rendition of Andra Day’s Rise up, earning a golden ticket. 17-year-old Itohan who held the judges spellbound for more than two minutes of her performance, is another confirmation that talent has nothing to do with age.
Emmanuel Pslams impressed Obi Asika with his control of the guitar which he sang along to. Jane Lokogoma sang beautifully, making use of the whole perimeter of the stage. Praise’s rendition of I Believe I Can Fly was commended by Simi, who praised his vocal control.
Then there were those who seem to have come to provide comic relief bursting their lungs trying to sing in high notes or not even knowing the lyrics of the songs they were singing. At some point, D’banj removed his glasses in an expression of wonder at how bad some of them sang.
David Ikande’s performance was arguably the best audition as the judges thoroughly enjoyed themselves during his rendition of Nina Simone’s ‘Feeling Good’. The 22-year-old footballer’s 10 years experience as a guitarist also added flavour to his performance, earning him a golden ticket.
In all, Season 7 of Nigerian Idol has already gotten off to a legendary start as the first round of auditions reveals some hidden gems, which is precisely what the show is about.
The audition has also provided good reasons why some of those who auditioned should keep their singing to the bathroom alone and not consider it a professional calling.
You can watch Nigerian Idol on Africa Magic Showcase, Urban and Family everry Sunday at 7pm. You can also watch the 24/7 Nigerian Idol Extra Channel on DStv 197, Gotv channel 29 and on Showmax.
