Nigerian Idol Gears Up For Electrifying Final 12 Unveiling

The incredible journey is about to begin for the final 12 contestants on Nigerian Idol. For Chinedu, Nikki, Najite, Ibinabo Romeo, Honey Adum, Linda Giami, Diwari, Mecino, A.Y.O, Stephen Onochie, Joe Blue and Sly1 it will be an unveiling like no other.

It was another electrifying weekend for fans of the music reality show, Nigerian Idol, as the weekend’s episode provided the same excitement with which the show has won the hearts of many Nigerians. With three contestants having joined the other nine finalists courtesy of the Wildcard Result Show last weekend, the suspense is over and Nigerian Idol’s final 12 have finally been revealed. The show last week was a rehash of the entire season, taking fans and viewers through the journey that brought twelve lucky and extremely talented contestants into the finals of the competition.

From Abuja viewers were introduced once more to the smooth voiced Honey and the swag master, Sly1. For Honey, it was a smooth sailing from the auditions to the finals. For Sly1 on the other hand, the road was a little rocky. Emerging from the auditions with a love song to Yinka Davies, he earned the nickname Sly1from the other judges. Initially evicted, Sly1 made a return thanks to the Judges’ wildcard and has finally made it into the top 12 finals.

The Port Harcourt contestants were next: Chinedu at 19 is the youngest contestant and he is joined by the tenacious Najite who was given a NO by Yinka Davies at the auditions but came back and made it into the finals. Lynda Giami is a twenty-three year old Medical Laboratory student who has since grown in confidence, a feat that has taken her into the Nigerian Idol top 12. Mercy Chinwo has distinguished herself from the start as one to look out forthoroughly impressing the judges at the auditions earning her a standing ovation, She won the hearts of Nigerians with her performance of Brandy’s ‘I wanna be down’

For Nneka Njoku, known as Nikki on the show, a PR officer for an investment company , her heart is set on music, Nigeria thought so as she was the first contestant to go through to the finals.

Diwari who incidentally sang in the same choir as Tiwa Savage in a church in London, has maintained the same quality throughout the competition. Her strong voice endeared her to the public and she has made it into the finals of the competition.

AyobamiAyolola known as A.Y.O was an audience favourite as his rendition of Bruno Mars Grenad catapulted him into the finals.

Ibinabo Romeo a 24 year-old Nigerian Radio Presenter working in The Gambia endeared herself to the fans as she performed Gloria Gaynor’s ‘I will survive’ with attitude girl-power. She did survive, emerging as one of the finalists into the Top 12.

Joe Anthony Ekpo, known as Joe Blue, is no stranger to the show as he was in the competition last season but didn’t make it through. The comeback kid did not make it past the Top 30 stage but returned with a wildcard vote from the judges.

Stephen Onochie’s husky voice was first observed at the auditions. Even though he did not make it into past the top 30 stages, the judge’s wild card brought him back and he was voted in as the audience favourites.

With a new stage courtesy of Etisalat and a team comprising a voice coach, a music director, a stylist and others, the set of 12 finalists are ready to be unveiled on February 12. For the next 12 weeks, viewers will watch Nigeria’s most talented young singers take the adventure of a lifetime as they battle for the Nigerian Idol title and the grand prize valued at $100, 000. The winner will be announced in April at a grand gala.

Musician and emcee Ill Rymz and pop star Tiwa Savage host Nigerian Idol. While on the judges’ table, the prolific trio of international musician and choreographer Jeffrey Daniel, music diva Yinka Davies and punk entertainer Charly Boy give their brand of judgement.

Nigerian Idol is proudly brought to you by Etisalat in association with Pepsi and Sony. It is supported by Air Nigeria, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Megalectrics (owners of Beat FM, Classic FM and Naija FM).