The official unveiling of the annual reality show was held last week at Mela Rossa in Ikoyi, Lagos in a ceremony laced with bespoke exciting moments of fun, entertainment and networking.

Beside Olamide and Run Town, other notable artistes who graced the occasion include Cynthia Morgan, Kiss Daniel, YQ and P.R.E.

The unveiling marked an official commencement of season five of the show which auditions are on-going across five Nigerian cities namely Benin, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Ibadan and Lagos.

Meanwhile, Nigerian Idol franchise owner, Optima Media Group (OMG) has enjoined young Nigerians with promising career in music to take advantage of the Nigerian Idol platform to showcase themselves on a global stage while creating a career path for themselves.

The Executive Director of OMG, Ugochi Pedro, made the call in her opening remarks at the media launch. She also noted that the reality show has established its mark as a leading talent hunt platform that is providing needed opportunities for budding music stars to be discovered and nurtured for stardom.

“For five years running, we have been on this interesting journey of changing lives and helping people achieve life dreams. The key thing for us is to see these discovered talents become the real stars they are designed to be. We are taking this commitment to a new level this season. Nigerians can expect many exciting moments ahead,” she said. 

Also speaking, Mr. Enitan Denloye, Director, Brands and Experience at Etisalat Nigeria, described this edition of the Nigerian Idol show as “a season of differentiation” that will be raising the bar in every aspect of the show. He stated that part of the expectations would be to see young musical talent that will bring about the value of creativity into music.   

Nigerian Idol is in its fifth season after a successful debut in 2010 won by Yeka Onka. In the following years which saw the emergence of Mercy Chinwo, Moses Adigwe and Zebili Evelyn (Evelle), it has grown in popularity and followership on the basis of the unique platforms it offers to young Nigerians with exceptional music talent. It is the only music TV reality show in Nigeria with a global appeal that currently cuts across 46 countries.

Meanwhile, three celebrity judges have been unveiled for the season. They include Afrobeat star, Dede Mabiaku, Vocalist Yinka Davies and R’n’ B crooner, Dare ‘Art’ Alade. 

Interestingly, the trio have featured in these roles in past editions.

Nigerian Idol focuses on discovering Nigerian youths with talent in music and giving them a unique platform to take shots at stardom. The eventual winner goes home with N7.5 million cash reward, a brand new car, a recording deal worth N7.5 million and some high-end devices. 

Auditions are expected to continue with the FCT, Abuja playing host in the weekend of January 24 -25 at the Bolton White Hotel. Ibadan and Lagos are to follow in the following weeks. It would be recalled the Benin and Port Harcourt auditions have been concluded. 

Nigerian Idol season five is sponsored by leading telecommunications operator, Etisalat, Dabur Toothpaste and E-Commerce platform, Payporte and will feature such enthralling performances which were the hallmarks of past winners among whom are Yeka Onka, Mercy Chinwo, Moses Adigwe and Zibili Evelyn who goes by the stage name Evelle.