Monday, March 31, 2014 1:28 pm
By Funsho Arogundade
Just as the first episode showcasing the first group of the Top 30 contestants of the music talent show, Nigerian Idol, aired on Sunday, 23 March, Darey Art Alade, R&B star and one of the Season 4 judges lost his cool and lashed out at a contestant after a woeful performance.
Royal George, a contestant from Benin, performed Rihanna’s all time hit song, ‘Diamonds.’ Aside from having pitch issues, George also made a mess of the lyrics of the song.
“That was a royal mess. Messy lyrics, pitch issues, you know you didn’t do well,” said a disappointed Darey.
Irrespective of Darey’s outburst, it had been a hard-won battle to make it to the top 30 for the Nigerian Idol contestants who have struggled with exhaustion, nerves and against thousands of other hopefuls also looking for their ticket to fame and stardom.
Ten of the Top 30 contestants selected had to battle it with stellar and impressive performances for an opportunity to win the hearts of both the judges and the viewers at home.
Performing songs from various international artistes, the first group of 10 had four golden tickets from the audition phase. Only three of the acts in the group were able to impress the judges.
When asked to sum up his experience for the day, Darey said Evelle, Daniel Buba and Elvis Jay, were the three contestants that did it for him that night.
“Unfortunately, the judges don’t get to decide which contestants go on to the next stage, only the votes of viewers at home will determine who goes home or stays back to battle for the coveted Idol crown,” Darey said.
Meanwhile, Afrobeat musician Dede Mabiku, another of the judges, brought back the legacy of the late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti during the recording of the first group of Top 30 contestants of Nigerian Idol Season 4.
“Fela influenced who I am today greatly, so though he is no more in body, he constantly remains in my heart,” said Dede, who dressed in a black T-shirt that had a painted picture of Fela Kuti in front with the legendary Fela pose and an inscription behind saying ‘United We Stand’.
Hosted by On-Air Personality, Ill Rymz; International soul singer, Nneka Egbuna, made up the trio of the judges.
Join The Conversation