Editors' Pick
Are we live? Oh yes, we are – Nigerian Idol
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It starts early, way before the lights come on, before the music hits, and before the contestants step on stage with dreams in their throat.This is what you don’t see on TV. In this exclusive look behind the scenes of a Nigerian Idol Live Show, we follow IK as he takes us through the real hustle:From pulling up on set and navigating the live show studio, to peeking inside the dressing room where contestants get glammed up, to the control booth where directors cue every spotlight, every sound, every moment you scream at from your couch.
Welcome to the live shows
Khristopher performs ‘Peaches’ by Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar, Giveon – Nigerian IdolOften lauded for displaying trained technique in his performances, Khristopher stuck to his game at the first Nigerian Idol season 10 live show. Delivering his rendition of the lush summar hit 'Peaches’, the singer served harmonies as smooth as late-night radio. Proceeding to impress the judges, he switched registers like a pro, with the falsetto floating, and the baritone grounded.
Mikki performs ‘Love Nwantiti’ by CKay – Nigerian IdolHaving sealed his reputation as one of the season’s most experimental vocal acrobats, Mikki came with a plan to mark his spot on the next round of Nigerian Idol. And for his rendition of ‘Love Nwantiti’, the singer served romance in rhythm. His phrasing curved gently around the beat, airy with breathy falsetto. Knowing that eliminations are now on the cards during this phase of the competion, the 28-year-old brought softness, control, and emotion to a classic Afro-love anthem.
Ellacentric performs ‘Finesse’ by Pheelz – Nigerian IdolYou are looking at Pop precision with Afro flair. Ellacentric glided through the verses with bounce and control, which helped her sustain the original vibe in Pheelz’ banger while also sprinkling her twist. Runs landed in rhythm, vocals danced with the beat. Confident and clean, her rendition declared an impressive pitch for another week in the competition.
Sally performs ‘thank u, next’ by Ariana Grande – Nigerian IdolStepping inside her Pop girl era, Sally unleashed an upbeat performance to woo and wow the crowd for the season’s first live show.
The songbird gave us soft belts, spoken phrasing and clean transitions through Ariana’s rollercoaster. She found truth in every word. grounded, grown, and grateful. This is soulful spin on a pop confession.
RayMu performs ‘Jireh’ by Maverick City – Nigerian IdolNow that Nigerian Idol season has entered its live show phase, where votes determine who stays, the contestants can only hope to bring their A-game. RayMu did. For his take on Maverick City’s ‘Jireh’, the singer hovered powerhouse vocals while staying connected to the praise and worship. He layered harmonics, floated in falsetto, and grounded the glory. A masterclass in musical ministry.
Lawrence performs ‘Xtra Cool’ by Young John– Nigerian IdolHe’s brought both the judges and the audience to tears on several occassions on this season of Nigerian Idol. And to take it to the next level for the first live show, Lawrence defaulted to his signature charm, with a chilled vocal confidence. The Warri singer deliverd Afro-fusion realness with swaggy ease and bright tone for his rendition of Young John’s hit. This is what flirting with falsetto, while anchored in the groove, looks like.
Purp performs ‘Rush’ by Ayra Starr – Nigerian IdolPurp came with a plan to bring groove to the stage. She also has a three-step mission; Attitude. Attack. Agility. For her rendition of Ayra Starr’s global blockbuster, ‘Rush’, the singer brought sass to every syllable, switching between grit and glide. Her riffs rode the rhythm, her tone stayed cutting yet controlled.
JKenova performs ‘Promises’ by Maverick City – Nigerian IdolThis is where silky tones met some spiritual weight. To woo audiences at the first Nigerian Idol season 10 live show, JKenova delivered steady vibrato, sweet head voice and soul-stirring connection for his rendition of ‘Promises’ by Maverick City. His restraint was the power, as every lyric held purpose.
Bosslady performs ‘Texas Hold ’Em’ by Beyoncé – Nigerian IdolA little country, a lot of charisma. For her performance in the live phase of the competition, Bosslady rode that Beyoncé rhythm with cool control and chesty tone. Her timing was crisp, with riffs that rolled like a backroad anthem. A stylish spin on a stomping groove.
The Top 10 performs 'This Is Me' by Kaela Settle – Nigerian IdolThey survived the pressure, outshone the rest, and earned their place in the spotlight. Now, the Top 10 unite in harmony to perform ‘This Is Me’ by Keala Settle, a powerful celebration of their journey so far. This moment marks the start of the Live Shows, where friendship meets fierce competition and every note could bring them closer to the crown. From here on out, it’s a battle for the throne.
Brammy performs ‘Beautiful Things’ by Benson Boone – Nigerian Idol
Meet the Top 10
Road to Top 10
Auditions and Theatre week highlights
Rosetta, Sally, Motolani, and Iconic Da Bee perform ‘Don't Let Go’ by En Vogue – Nigerian IdolNone of these ladies were ready to be dismissed, and we could tell. Rosetta, Sally, Motolani, and Iconic Da Bee took notes from their coach and ran far with them. While the songbirds delivered a stellar performance as
Brammy, David, Joel, and Richie Jay perform ‘In My Bed’ by Dru Hill – Nigerian IdolBrammy, David, Joel, and Richie Jay understood how to communicate with the judges and audience using their melody. Their synergy came through and made up for their beautiful rendition that got not one, but two of the four over to the next round.
JKenova performs ‘Flying Without Wings’ by Westlife – Nigerian IdolTo earn his shiny golden ticket, JKenova delivered a vocally polished, emotionally charged rendition of ‘Flying Without Wings’, a timeless classic by Westlife. His smooth tone and clean phrasing carried the melody with ease, while well-placed vibrato and a steady build gave the classic new wings.
Brammy performs ‘Beautiful Things’ by Benson Boone – Nigerian IdolBouncing back from a shocking slump that led to his season 9 exit, Brammy returned with depth and control. His falsetto floated, his phrasing matured, and the emotional connection showed maturity. The 25-year-old’s redemptive audition hit every note – and hit home. With a golden ticket, the Ebonyi State singer triumphantly moves to the next round.
Malachy Gideon performs ‘I Believe For It’ by CeCe Winans – Nigerian IdolMalachy Gideon was lauded for going beyond singing – to embodying the sound of ministry. With warm mid-register tones, precise gospel riffs, and a build that stirred the soul, the 24-year-old turned his audition into a full-blown altar call. Hailing from Abia State, the rising star delivered a churchy, anointed, and unforgettable take on the famous gospel hit, leading him to a golden ticket.
Raymu performs ‘All I Ask’ by Adele – Nigerian IdolRaymu returned from Season 8 to redeem himself, and he did just that, bagging a platinum ticket. The rising star delivered a soul-soaked rendition of Adele’s ‘All I Ask’, belting powerhouse notes and keeping up with every note switch required to nail the audition.
Contestants thrown in the pressure cooker! – Nigerian IdolLook who’s cooking! In a surprising twist, the judges decided to put these four contestants to the test of their side passion outside of singing – cooking. While vocals are the only requirement to ace the task at hand, the aspiring musos also dabbled in a culinary endeavor because fed tummies maintain clarity in a battle!
Udeme performs ‘Rise Up’ by Andra Day – Nigerian IdolUdeme rose to the occasion with her vocals, delivering a wonderful rendition of ‘Rise up’ by Andra Day. Having wowed the judges with impressive displays of both vocal gymnastics and technical restraint, she snatched a golden ticket, securing a spot in the competition’s next phase.
Mikki performs ‘Goodness of God’ by CeCe Winans – Nigerian IdolSecond time proved to be the charm for Mikki, who doubled his victorious streak as one contestant with two platinum tickets under his belt. But where his journey took a sad plunge during his first pursuit of superstardom on Nigerian Idol, the rising star intends to use his new victory to secure the big win. Mikki unleashed a stunning rendition of ‘Goodness of God’ by CeCe Winans.
Khristopher performs ‘Firm Foundation’ by Chandler Moore – Nigerian IdolKhristopher trounced stiff competition to make it through the next level with a golden ticket, all thanks to his captivating rendition of ‘Firm Foundation’ by Chandler Moore. The hopeful wowed the judges, earning applause for his impressive vocal technique, which he delivered with a breeze of soul.
Purp performs ‘If I ain’t Got You’ by Alicia Keys – Nigerian IdolStarting shaky, Purp got terribly close to getting a ‘no’ from one of the judges, but the tides turned in her favour as soon as she pushed her anxiety out of her way, delivering her an awe-inspiring take on ‘If I Ain’t Got You’ by Alicia Keys. Now she is one leg into the race with three nods.
JKenova, Gospoe, and Sapphire Whinnas perform ‘End Of The Road’ by Boyz II Men – Nigerian Idol
Behind the scenes
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Snaps from the first Live Show! – Nigerian Idol
