by Akintomiwa Agbaje

After visiting 5 cities and several months of nerve-wrecking auditions and thousands of Nigerians giving their all to be on Africa’s No 1 music talent show, Nigerian Idol is officially down to the final 12 contestants.

Belting it all out for the unique opportunity to emerge as the winner of the fourth season of the show and also walk away with a series of mouth-watering prizes are 12 of Nigeria’s vocally talented youths.

One of these 12 will be crowned the 4th Nigerian Idol joining Yeka, Mercy and Moses in the league of winners and also walk away with the whooping sum of N7.5 million, a recording deal from Universal studios, a brand new SUV and numerous consolation prizes

1. ANTHONY AKPAN (ANTWON)

A familiar face from previous seasons of the competition, Antwon is a charming fellow that belts out excellent notes in addition to his smooth dance moves. Having striking resemblance with Usher Raymond, Antwon also takes mentorship from the RnB legend.

2. BLESSING BASSEY (BEEBEE BASSEY)
From a Christian background, Beebee has been able to merge both contemporary and gospel songs to fit perfectly in the music industry. Her strategy is to capture the hearts of viewers every week by being creative and entertaining.

3. ELVIS EJIRO (ELVIS JAY)

The 22-year old student of Benin, studying Industrial Physics started as an instrumentalist before joining the choir. Elvis, who is a member of a band back home, believes that his ability to watch, learn and add his own creativity will single him out in the competition.

4. ZIBILI EVELYN IBHADE (EVELLE)

A relentless fighter and die-hard fan of Beyoncé, Evelle is a soulful singer that takes her motivation from God and past experiences. Though her journey in the competition hasn’t been easy, she believes that giving nothing but the best will take her to the top.

5. ODUGBEMI IDOWU SARAH (EYE-D)

A graduate of agricultural science, Eye-D loves to sing and her love for music was her inspiration to enter Nigerian Idol. With a voice that can move mountains, Eye-D believes that she has unique vocal prowess to shake and mold the music industry.

6. JESSE OKONKOWO (JESSE RAEY)

The 25-year old diploma graduate is driven by his love and passion for Nigerian music. Influenced by Craig David and Brandy, Jesse believes that there is enough space at the top for great musicians to be born out of Nigeria.

7. LISA STEPHNEY OMOROEGBE (LISA)

The jovial, fun-loving lady is a vocal powerhouse from the ancient city of Benin. Inspired by Bruno Mars and Keyshia Cole, Lisa believes that winning Nigerian Idol will help her fulfil her endless goals and aspirations in the music world.

8. OGECHUKWU OKAFOR (MS. OGE)

The biochemistry graduate loves her job, but has a greater love for music. She buries herself in good movies once in a while, but never fails to couple it with melodies from Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, Micheal Jackson, Rihanna and Alicia Keys.

9. ESE IDOWU (NEX2)

Nex2 is an easy-going, goal- focused student from Edo State, who wants to use his gift and love for music to enrich Nigeria and the sphere of music in general. He draws his musical inspiration from R.Kelly and Rueben Studdard.

10. AHPOVIRI ESE NYERHOVOO (NYRO LOVE)

The very introverted Delta state indigene believes that she is the real deal that the Nigerian music industry needs to explode. She sees Nigerian Idol as a youthful, energetic and engaging platform that will launch her into a music career.

11. OBED NZUBECHUKWU OGBONNA (OBED)

The soft-spoken 26-year old graduate is a lover of social networking, but sees Nigerian Idol has the platform to project himself to the world. He hopes to do his utmost best throughout the competition, leaving the rest to God to make way for him.

12. PAUL ENOMA (XOLANI)

A graduate of Computer Science and Statistics from the University of Benin, Xolani is one contestant with sound musical roots. With a background from the church, he hopes to abide by the rules of the Idol game and add some spice of originality to succeed.

Catch exciting performances as Nigerian Idol airs on NTA, STV, HIP TV, CRBC CALABAR, DRTV WARRI and Various Startimes Channels on Saturday and Sunday’s.

Visit www.Nigerianidol.com for compelling back stories, juicy behind the scene news, and get a taste of what is coming. For the latest information, Like the Nigerian Idol Facebook page and follow @Nigerianidol on Twitter.

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