FANFARE AS NIGERIAN IDOL UNVEILS 13 FINALISTS

It was all about fanfare, excitement and glamour as the first edition of Nigerian Idol entered the final stage last Saturday January 29, 2011.

Top celebs and media guests stormed the exclusive cocktail event to usher in the final 13. 

Of course the judges; Yinka Davies, Audu Maikori and  Jeffery Daniel were all there as well as Hosts Misi and Anis who both put up a spectacular performance on the night.

Before the main event started, guests were left to mingle with the contestants and the Idols crew as everyone sipped cocktails and exchanged banter. 

Tee A officially kicked off the main event. Thereafter, Project Manager Chichi Nwoko mounted the stage, and thanked everyone who helped in making the Idols project  a success; she is later joined by Producer Lillias Bode and Director Peter Bode who in turn took the audience through the journey so far. 

The sense of excitement that reigned in the air became further heightened when the 13 contestants came on stage to perform. Starting from the very first performer down to the last contestant, each performance moved the crowd, judges as well as members of the media. 

The performances were exciting and filled with so much potentials, and just when the crowd thought that was all the organizers had to offer, Tee A announced there was a surprise performance- Yinka Davies and Jeffery Daniel! 

To an astonished crowd, Yinka Davies and Jeffery Daniel performed Shalamar’s “Night to Remember” with Jeffery Daniel doing the moon walk at intervals. They are later joined by the contestants, hosts and Audu Maikori who playfully invite Kel and Steve Babaeko on stage to judge Yinka and Jeffery’s performances. 

For the contestants the holidays are over as they have to prove they have what it takes to be this year’s winner. Thursday February 4, 2011 will be the elimination show as 2 contestants with the lowest votes will be up for eviction. 

Sponsored by Etisalat in association with Royal Exchange and Pepsi, Nigerian Idol airs on 20 broadcast stations in Nigeria, UK and USA.