Nigerian Idol: 25 contestants make it in as season six kicks off

A total of 25 contestants made it to the first day of the auditions with the judges as the sixth season of Nigerian Idol kicked off.

The lucky contestants that made it in, came from various walks of life. From fashion designers to lawyers, entrepreneurs, comedians, and even professional musicians.

13 out of the 25 lucky contestants that auditioned in the first episode got golden tickets to proceed to the next round, the theatre week, where they will battle against each other to make it to the next stage.

The Judges

From the start, the judges – Obi Asika, Seyi Shay, and DJ Sose – had their work cut out for them. Obi Asika was calm and introspective and DJ Sose’s poker face scared many of the contestants. However, it was Seyi Shay’s blunt judgments and giggles that haunted the contestants.

The performances

After the first six contestants breezed out of the doors with their golden tickets, things went downhill from there. Each contestant that came up afterwards did not live up to the judges’ expectations including Azubuike Uzoepu who claimed to have performed with the legendary 2baba at a Fashion Show in Onitsha; and Michael Macauley, a professional musician that came on the show to promote his recently released EP. The most impressive performances of the first day came from two fashion designers who got golden tickets. 30-year-old Azigalobari and 23-year-old Faith Mac, the younger sister of former 2011 Nigerian Idol finalist Naomi Mac had the most impressive performances.

The Drama

While some people got sympathetic ‘Nos’ and admonishments to come back next year, 17-year-old Mayowa was advised to just quit music. He was however praised for his songwriting skills.

A contestant, Chigozie Oleka, who was nervous after receiving a negative response from the judges kept pleading for another chance or consideration. A mild drama ensued as Oleka’s subsequent pleas saw DJ Sose storming out of the set.