A NIGHT WITH THE JUDGES:

Femi Kuti, Mr Rotimi Pedro (CEO of Optima Media Group, Yinka Davies and Jeffrey Daniels at the Nigerian Idol night with the judges

Femi Kuti on the saxophone at the at the Nigerian Idol night with the judges

Yinka Davies; performing at the at the Nigerian Idol night with the judges

A NIGHT WITH THE JUDGES: NIGERIAN IDOL PREMIERES FIRST EPISODE

It was a night filled with a host of entertainment as the continent’smost entertaining music reality television show, Nigerian Idol, held anight with the judges on Tuesday, 11th December, 2012. Media and otherinvited guests were hosted at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos topremiere the first episode of season three of the show.Present on the evening were the judges, past competitors, and invitedguests. Femi Kuti, the newest judge, spoke on the new season and how hefelt about joining the show. “I am genuinely excited to be part such anamazing show. Nigerians have a deep and abiding love for music, andthere is so much talent out there; I can’t help but be enthusiastic thatwe get to introduce them to the country,” said the three-time GrammyAward nominee.The night started off with past competitors reminding us why NigerianIdol is so successful; Steven Onoche, the second runner-up from seasontwo, was first on stage and sang beautifully. He was followed by JoeBlue, the first runner-up from the same season. Not to be outdone, itwas the turn of the judges to entertain, and Yinka Davies’ spectacularvocals was displayed beautifully by her soulful selection. Finally, FemiKuti took to the stage, and brought the house down with his saxophoneskills.Now in its third season, guests were treated to a preview of the newestepisode of Nigerian Idol, which will be aired on Sunday, 16th December,2012. The room alternated between laughter and applause as a colourfulrange of vocals tried to win a coveted spot in the next round. Beforethe viewing, a question and answer session took place between the judgesand the media.“I know that Nigerians are going to be excited about this season,” saidTiwa Medubi, the project manager. “This Sunday is definitely going toshowcase the amazing range of raw talent, and bring you voices likeyou’ve never heard before and I can also guarantee it is going to belots of fun.”Showing on weekend prime time television, catch Nigerian Idol on NTANetwork at 4.00pm on Sundays, Sound city and ONTV : at 7pm on Sundaysand Saturdays , STV at  8.00pm on Sundays and 6pm on Saturdays and TVCat  9.00pm on Saturdays and Sundays.The grand prize for this season is worth $100,000 which includes: N 7.5million cash prize, a recording contract worth N7.5 million, and an SUV.The top ten finalists will also get prizes worth a total of N10 million.