It has been a frenzied musical competition for the contestants on the Bigi-backed Nigerian Idol Season 7, which is now in its last week. The grand finale holds on Sunday 22nd May.
In the recent show, Progress and Zadok, the frontline contenders for the Idol crown, battled each other and performed three songs each exhilaratingly.
The two contestants showcased their musical talent in the songs, comprising their favourite, a song selected for them by the judges, and another with the 121 Selah choir, a musical gospel group, which added colour to the evening performance.
But it was a moment Banty exited the musical platform as a result of low votes, from the over 34 million recorded for the week, leaving Progress and Zadok to compete at the final.
The topmost act will smile home with N100 million worth of prizes, including a recording deal from a label, a brand-new Sports Utility Vehicle, cash prizes, and other exciting gifts.
Progress, who was the first to appear on the music stage, thrilled the judges and the audience electrifyingly with his favourite song A Change is Gonna Come, by Sam Cooke. The performance attracted a standing ovation with IK Osakioduwa, the host, stating, “that was amazing”. And on what prompted his choice of song, Progress avowed that it was what the society needed at the moment, the change that would make things better for all and sundry.
His second song, Joy, by Wizkid, picked for him by one of the judges, D’Banj, was also wonderfully delivered, with IK saying that, “that was very nice,” while the third song, Jon Ogah’s Uncle Zuru, performed with the 121 Selah choir, was met with applause and a standing ovation.
Progress’ rendition of Uncle Zuru led to a good commendation from Obi Asika, saying “your confidence is impressive, you are already a winner”, while Simi affirmed “your performance is incredible. l want to be like you”, and D’Banj. “you have done well, keep progressing”.
Zadok, who said he is a preacher of love, did When a Man Loves a Woman by Michael Bolton with IK saying, “this is what you know how to do best”. The second act, Michael Bolton’s Soul Provider, selected for him by Simi, one of the judges, was a fascinating performance that led to a flower gift from an excited lady fan, cheering him for the grand finale.
His third gig with Timi Dakolo’s Wish Me Well, got Simi excited, saying “that was astonishing, an excellent rendition”, while D’Banj stated, “you have a proper voice for the song, you are someone whom others would like to watch in a show”, and Asika, “I love the way you perform”.
Co-sponsored by the Bigi carbonated soft drink brand of Rite Foods, Nigerian Idol Season 7 is aired on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151), Africa Magic Urban (DStv Channel 153, and GOtv Supa Channel 6), and Africa Magic Family (DStv Channel 154 & GOtv Channel 2).
