Nigerian Idol returns amid talent surge

Nigerians welcomed the Idol back on screen, Saturday. They had longed for another reality show following the criticism that trailed the just concluded Big Brother Titans.

The return of Season 8 follows the success of last year's edition which saw Progress Chukwuyem emerge as the winner.

The Delta-state-born singer, songwriter, performer and music minister beat his strongest rival, Zadok and walked away with N100 million worth of gifts

The gift also included that he records an EP and a music video. Progress has so far released a single titled 'Lift me up' and another titled, 'Jo'

Nigerian Idol was an annual event from its commencement in 2011 until 2015. It went under for five years until Multichoice revived the music talent hunt show in 2021.

In 2021, 24-year-old Kingdom Kroseide from Bayelsa State emerged as the winner of the show.

Kingdom beat other talented contestants and walked home with N30 million, a recording contract and other prizes.

Also, Kunle Ogunrombi, aka K-Peace, Ogun state-born singer, was crowned the Nigerian Idol season 5. The 32-year-old won a cash prize of N75 million, a music record deal among other prizes in 2015.

The reality show has continued to offer talented Nigerians the platform to showcase their talent and opportunity to rise to fame through hard work and dedication, especially in Lagos State, known to be the hub of entertainment.

Many Nigerian youths look forward to easier ways of joining the entertainment industry as it provides them the opportunity to a spirited audience both in Nigeria and abroad.

In this year's edition of the Idols, D'Banj, Simi and Obi Asika were retained as judges, and their combination, according to most entertainment experts, will make the show interesting.

The organizers also promised that it is looking forward to a wide array of music and song choices across genres and spectacular performances that together deliver a fantastic show.

It's believed that Simi is more professional in judgement, Obi is more on the aspect of production, while Dbanj brings the star quality and a little bit of humour.

However, as a star-making vehicle, the show hasn't performed up to expectations.

However, possessing music talent is not enough to break into the Nigerian music industry because it is competitive and difficult to break into.

Some Nigerians also claimed that the show has failed to produce a successful artist, unlike the past Nigerian Idol which shot stars like Timi Dakolo, Omawumi, and Mercy Chinwo into limelight.

Progress, who won last year's edition, is yet to find the kind of stardom one would have expected after the show as he has not produced a known track or album up till date.

Entertainment analyst, Daudu Ben said the show needs to improve more on artist promotion.

According to him, it shouldn't just stop at the audition, theatre week and final stage of the show, it has to go beyond that. You need to ensure winners succeed in the industry. That should be the ultimate goal.

"Omawumi, Praiz, Chidinma emerged from Project Fame and others emerged through Nigerian Idol.

"What they have not realised yet is that if they promote artists after the show, they are equally promoting the show.

"The artist becomes the face of the show at that point. His success is always tied to the show but the organisers believe winning prices from the show is enough investment already."