Nigerian Idol


Nigerian Idol is the local version of the Idol series franchise. It is the second Idol franchise for the country as it was already part of Idols West Africa which was also shot and produced in Stockholm, Sweden.
The show started with its first season in 2010, the 50th anniversary of the country with the tagline Live Your Dream. Accept No Limitation.
Auditions were open for every Nigerian between 18 and 28. The first season went on air in October 2010 and is shown on 15 different channels all across Africa.
On March 27, 2011, 26-year-old Onyekachi Elizabeth Gilbert Onwuka aka "yeka onka" from Ohafia was announced the first Nigerian Idol ever over fellow competitor Naomi Ebiama. Onyekachi was awarded the sum of 7.5 Million Naira, a recording contract with Sony, a car and an all-expense-paid trip to South Africa. Prior of receiving a Golden Ticket in Lagos Yeka unsuccessfully auditioned on two other occasions for the show. For the creation of the winning song the two finalists collaborated with award-winning producer Jesse Jagz. Yeka has since performed in different world know stages and started the first female band known as the "Gfactor band" in Nigeria.
There have been four following Nigerian Idol winners to date: Mercy Chinwo, Moses Obi Adigwe, Evelle and K-Peace.

Judges and hosts

Judges

For season one, Yinka Davies, Audu Maikori and Jeffrey Daniel were selected to be the judges. In season two, Maikori was replaced with Charly Boy as a judge. In season three, Femi Kuti replaced Charly.

Season 1

The show was hosted by Misi and Anis Holloway and the panel of judges consists of producer and record label owner Audu Maikori, former Shalamar singer/dancer Jeffrey Daniel, and singer Yinka Davies.

Elimination chart


Season 2

In 2012, singer Charly Boy replaced Audu Maikori who left the show to concentrate on other projects. The hosts are Tiwa Savage and IllRymz. The contestants were Chinedu, Najita, Nikki, Lynda, Ibinabo, Honey, Diwari, A.Y.O, Mercy, Steven Onochie, Anthony Ekpo and Sly 1. Mercy Chinwo was the eventual winner.