15 February 2022
Nigerian Idol S7: If at first you fail, try again!
Nigerian Idol S7 auditions continued this week, with more talented contestants picking up golden tickets for a chance at being the next Idol.
As always, the host with the most, IK Osaduwa, was on hand to usher in the contestants before the panel of judges.
Unfortunately, judge Simi couldn’t be present at the auditions this week for health reasons but guest judge, media personality Tolu Oniru aka Toolz, held the forte along with award-winning entertainer D’banj and creative media mogul Obi Asika.
Here are all the highlights from week two of the first-round auditions.
Golden ticket slam dunk for Jordan
Twenty-two-year-old Jordan Bangoji earned the first golden ticket in this week’s first round of auditions.
The basketballer from Kaduna state left all three judges not just in awe of his six-foot-seven frame, but also his amazing voice.
Accompanied by his guitar, Jordan performed the song I’m Not The Only One by Sam Smith, and boy, was he hitting those notes!
The judges in unison gave him a standing ovation and three well-deserved yeses. We can’t wait to see him in the next round of auditions.
Great job, Jordan!
Nicholas Gvoice leaves Alicia Keys shaking
Somebody, please check on Alicia Keys because Nicholas Gvoice is here to steal her crown and he’s not backing down!
Nicholas Gvoice came to the auditions with one agenda only– to impress the judges by giving his best performance for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete on the Nigerian Idol stage.
Sounds like a great plan in theory right? But in reality, Gvoice delivered a rather hilarious performance. Playing the keyboard, he attempted to do a cover of We Are Here by Alicia Keys. But the judges could barely contain their laughter and it was only a matter of time before judge Toolz requested that he stop performing with his keyboard because the off-key chords were a tad distracting.
Suffice it to say that he did not achieve his agenda because he neither delivered the performance of a lifetime nor did he impress the judges, and consequently was denied a shot at competing on the big stage.
Better luck next time, Gvoice.
Daring Joel overcomes incredible odds, bags a golden ticket
If there is one thing we love about Nigerian Idol, it’s how people are able to overcome challenges that may otherwise be limitations, and still deliver the most amazing performances. Such was the inspirational story of Joel.
Speaking to host IK, Joel provided insight into his love for singing and how his desire to make his late father proud influenced his decision to audition for the show.
Despite his speech impediment, the 23-year-old went on to serenade the judges to Bad Dancer by Johnny Drille and they absolutely loved it.
With three yeses and a golden ticket, Joel was on his way to the next round of auditions.
Congratulations on making Papa proud, Joel!
And the motivational stories just kept coming
This time, it was the story of Matthew Idu, a 23-year-old caterer from Lagos who had a rather heart-wrenching story.
At just three years old, Matthew and some of his family members were involved in a ghastly motor accident that could have claimed his life. While he survived, it took a part of his tongue, and for a while after the accident, Matthew could barely speak. He had to undergo speech therapy to regain his ability to speak.
The 23-year-old was only too glad to be at the auditions and he thoroughly impressed all three judges with his rendition of Timi Dakolo’s Iyawo Mi.
While congratulating Matthew on his golden ticket, the Koko master notably said:
“Uou’re a testimony that what God cannot do does not exist.”
Way to go, Matthew!
Lam Lam channels her inner Nikki Minaj
The first thing that stood out about Olamide “Lam Lam” Shobajo was her choice of outfit. The heavily accessorised, all-red ensemble was giving major main character vibes and we knew we were in for an experience.
The 26-year-old rap and voice-over artist from Lagos made a rather interesting song choice and Judge D’banj had to ask if she was certain about her song choice.
She proceeded to hit us with Moment for Life by Nikki Minaj featuring Drake and we were too stunned to speak.
The judges seemed a bit torn on the decision with D’banj voting yes and the other two judges voting no.
To be fair, Lam Lam killed the rap but like Obi Asika said – it’s a singing show, not a rap show and her singing was very underwhelming.
If you try and don’t succeed, try again
We definitely believe in second chances and we were ecstatic to see Chukwuka, a returning contestant from the Season 6 auditions, for the second time in a row in a bid to redeem himself.
Last season, the 26-year-old advanced up to the theatre week auditions but couldn’t quite make it through because his nerves got the better of him.
This time, he came back determined to try again.
He initially performed the song I’m Not The Only One by Sam Smith but struggled through it and honestly, it wasn’t a convincing performance.
Luckily for him, D’banj was magnanimous enough to give him another chance to do another song and this time, he got three yeses and a golden ticket.
While his journey to Nigerian Idol hasn’t been the smoothest, we admire the tenacity and determination to try again even in the face of possible failure.
We wish Chukwuka all the best in the next round of auditions and hope to see him on the live show for this year’s Nigerian Idol.
Banty, the Diamond in the rough, captures our hearts
Esther “Banty” Temiwunmi was definitely one of the hidden gems on this episode.
The unassuming 26-year-old from Benin City could easily be overlooked in a room full of singers but you know what they say about judging a book by its cover?
Esther delivered a beautiful rendition of Andra Day’s Rise Up and received a round of applause from the judges.
Her energy, her swag, her confidence, and most importantly, her voice, earned her one of the easiest golden tickets of the episode.
In the words of the Koko Master D’banj, “We greet you specially, Banty!”.
Catch all episodes of Nigerian Idol S7 and follow the live broadcasts on Showmax.
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