AFTER months of anticipation and weeks of sieving through the hordes of dreamers via the various stages of selection —open audition (wooden mic) to theatre week, semi-finals and then live shows, where contestants perform weekly, and viewers vote to keep their favorites in the competition, the day of reckoning is finally here as the on-going music reality show, Nigerian Idol Season 10 climax this weekend, Sunday, July 13.
Throughout the competition, judges evaluate the contestants based on various criteria, from vocal ability to stage presence, and overall star quality. Ultimately, the viewers’ votes play a crucial role in determining who emerges as the next Nigerian Idol.
This year’s edition, the 10th in series, kicked off with online auditions where Nigerians aged 16-30 submitted their entries, which included a 30-second singing video. The audition period closed on February 2, while the live shows began on May 25, with the Top 10 contestants —Mikki, Raymu, Ellacentric, Kristopher, Sally, Boss Lady, Brammy, Jkenova, Lawrence, and Purp— performing on a Billboard Takeover themed night.
After weeks of slaying stages with vocals, visuals, vibes and surviving eliminations that had viewers (both studio guests and television) all screaming, the Top 2 contestants —Purp and Raymu— last weekend officially entered their winner era! Both contestants stood poised to claim the coveted crown of Nigerian Idol Season 10, and they have both wowed the audiences with their soulful voices, captivating stage presence, and undeniable talent. But only one will be crowned the ultimate winner.
Last Sunday’s episode of the live show was everything —emotional, electrifying, and downright unforgettable. What started with four incredibly talented finalists quickly turned into a bittersweet night of cheers, tears, and game-changing performances, as Mikki the fans favourite and Lawrence took their final bows. The development leaves the audience (viewers) with just two contestants —Purp and Raymu.
The night unfolded in three explosive segments: Judges’ Choice, This Is How It Should Be Done, and Viewers’ Choice. In the Judges’ Choice, the judges pulled out their best picks, and the contestants delivered.
Purp opened with a graceful rendition of Whitney Houston’s Greatest Love of All, which was powerful, poised, and perfectly delivered. Lawrence bared his soul with Bruno Mars’ When I Was Your Man, showing the emotional control we have come to love him for.
Raymu set the stage ablaze with Usher’s Burn, which he delivered with smooth vocals, and undeniable stage presence. Mikki, who had been the fan’s favourite, soared with You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban, pulling on every heartstring in the room.
But then came the night’s first heartbreak —Lawrence elimination, a development that saw the crowd roar in support as he gave his heartfelt thanks and left the stage with grace. Moments later, the next shocker hit —Mikki was also voted out, narrowing the dreamers to two.
The second segment flipped the script as the finalists were asked to perform songs that other contestants butchered during the audition phase, the ones that left judges cringing. It was their moment to show exactly how it should have been done.
Purp performed Anyone by Demi Lovato, a song that stumped many during auditions. But with her powerful vocals and emotional depth, she transformed it into a haunting, heartfelt performance. “This is for anyone who feels alone,” she said, her voice carrying strength and vulnerability.
Raymu took on Fallin by Alicia Keys, one of the most poorly delivered songs during the audition rounds. His smooth tone, honesty, and vocal control brought life back to the song. “Alicia Keys is who I aspire to be; I want to be a believable singer,” he shared before leaving the audience completely drawn in.
In the viewers’ choice, the finalists brought the fire. Raymu delivered a hauntingly beautiful rendition of Lay Me Down by Sam Smith. Omawumi summed it up perfectly: “You shone through the night.” Purp followed with Anita Baker’s Sweet Love, wrapping the room in warmth and effortless elegance.
Before the night wrapped, Lawrence returned for one final performance of Bruises by Lewis Capaldi, a moving reminder of how far he’d come. Mikki followed with We Are the World, a fitting close to his journey of unity, power, and voice.
With the grand finale just hours away, the stakes have never been higher. From thousands of auditions to two unforgettable voices, it comes down to Purp and Raymu. Who will win? Who will wear the crown? Who will become the next Nigerian Idol?