Nigerian singer, Iyanya, has joined the judging panel of Nigerian Idol for its 10th season, which is set to begin on April 20.
He’ll be judging alongside Omawumi and Ric Hassani. The show’s executive head, Busola Tejumola, highlighted Nigerian Idol’s role in discovering new talent and its impact on Nigeria’s creative economy.
Tejumola said that Nigerian Idol has provided a platform for young Nigerians to showcase their talents, and has produced the likes of Timi Dakolo and Omawumi.
Tejumola said “This season’s theme ‘Your voice, your victory’, perfectly captures the essence of the show. It is a celebration of passion, resilience, and the power of self-expression. A reminder that every contestant can define their own journey.
“Over the years, we have witnessed incredible talents emerge, and we are excited to continue providing this stage for Nigeria’s big music stars.
“Beyond individual careers, Nigerian Idol has played a key role in Nigeria’s creative economy, creating opportunities for artists, producers, vocal coaches, stylists, content creators, and other industry professionals.
“As we mark our 10th season milestone, we promise an even more exciting and competitive show. Expect bigger and better production, enhanced stage design, that would take the season up a notch.
“Our contestants will benefit from the expertise of our top-tier judges and mentors, ensuring they receive the best possible industry guidance. We are also making fan engagement a priority this season, ensuring that our audiences play a key role in shaping the competition’s outcome.”
Iyanya said he sees his appointment as a judge as a “full circle”, given that he himself benefited from a music reality show.
The 10th season of Nigerian Idol promises to be exciting, with auditions and theatre week shows starting on April 20, and live shows commencing on May 25.
IK Osakioduwa will host the show for the fifth time.
The show has a history of producing successful musicians, including Timi Dakolo and Omawumi. The winner of the ninth edition, Chima Udoye, received a grand prize of N30 million, a brand-new SUV, a record deal, and a video shoot.
