by Rachel Ogbu

It was a spectacular showcase of talents as one of Nigeria’s biggest music reality show; Nigerian Idol, held its final Season II auditions at the Dream Studios in Lagos.
From Friday November 4 to Sunday November 6, thousands of young hopefuls trooped in to take a shot at being the next Nigerian Idol.
Who knew that many Nigerians could rock the mic? The-3 day event recorded a massive turnout as registration lines stretched across Bamako Street and right up to the main road, even sometime obstructing traffic.
For the Idols crew, including judges; Jeffrey Daniels, Charles “Charly Boy” Oputa and Yinka Davies, the audition ride has been a 3 months journey. It started in Abuja in October, breezing through thousands in Enugu and Port Harcourt. There were also the Etisalat-sponsored mini-concerts which provided extra entertainment in between.
Even  from beyond our borders, people came in for a chance on winning the ultimate recording deal. Ronke Adeniji , a petite 21-year-old Nigerian who travelled all the way from Abidjan, Ivory Coast, to be a part of this year’s show was very thrilled to be in line for the auditions. “I followed the show on Facebook and Twitter throughout last year and I made up my mind to be a part of this one. Once the time came, I packed my bags and came to Lagos,” she said.
She wasn’t the only one who had to endure hours of travel, meet Abdul Bolu, unemployed graduate, who travelled all night from Nassarawa, guitar in hand, for a chance to take part in the show. “I borrowed my transport fare from my elder sister. I could not afford it to the Abuja auditions; so I had to convince my family members how much this meant to me. Luckily they believed in me and here I am,” he said. Ronke and Abdul are just two from thousands of young Nigerians who travelled to Lagos from far and wide to take part in the auditions. There were times at the audition when could almost cut the anticipation in the air with a saw.
“Of course, this is Idol so that is only expected,” said Tiwa Medubi, who is project manager. “There is a reason why Nigerian Idol is called the real deal, and that is the reason these young people are mega-excited to be part of the next season. I daresay that this year will be an even more spectacular show than last year’s. The prize haul this time around is bigger and better and we have an immensely talented pool of contestants on the show this year.
Nigerian Idol Season II is sponsored by Etisalat, in conjunction with Pepsi and Sony. Other partners include Air Nigeria, Megalectrics and Beat FM. The show would hit the screen on 4 December, until the winner is announced at a grand gala on 1 April 2012.

Oluwapelumi