GALLERY Countdown to Showtime: “I am a small girl with a Big God”

This week’s episode of the Nigerian Idol: Countdown to Showtime focuses on performances. It opens with the judges – Seyi Shay, Obi Asika and DJ Sose – giving their opinions. “I am a bit worried about Kingdom,” veteran music executive Asika tells us. “I think Kingdom has a great voice, but I am not really sure he’s brought the level of performance that he needs to keep him in here.”

It is another pointer that vocal abilities are not enough to become the next music sensation, performances and swag matter, and Asika is hoping Kingdom adds that extra flavour to his voice.  

Each contestant also talked about their past performances and commented on others. Kingdom refers to his performance of Davido’s Aye as “just good,” then calls Emmanuel the best performer. But the name that popped the most was Beyonce. “Beyonce did it for me yesterday,” Francis says. “Quite honestly, that kid has got something legit!” Comfort adds, “the person that has the best performance? That will be Beyonce. She’s good and she sings so nicely.”

Last Sunday, the contestants performed songs from their birth year, which presented a different challenge given some are not familiar with the songs. But their excellent performances showed they are getting better, confident and stepping up to the show’s challenges.

Comfort picked and performed Christiana Aguilera’s Beautiful from 2003, then reminded us of her Gen-Z affiliations: “I am a small girl, you know, a small girl with a big God.”

The episode ends with two high-profile crew members who provided insights into the show’s production. Of course, we won’t tell you who they are, but you can find out yourself when on the latest Countdown on Showtime episode. New episodes premiere every Thursday.