by Isi Esene

It was a rough night in the studios as Nigerian Idol judges could not agree over the performances of the first round of top 30 contestants that performed on Sunday 13.

Celebrity guest judge, rapper Naeto C had some harsh words for the contestants and at some point, judge Jeffrey Daniel turned to give the ‘5 & 6’ rap star a thumbs down when a supremely unimpressed Naeto offered up yet another critique to a contestant on the stage.

For his part, Naeto C tried to be diplomatic with the contestants, but his reaction was clear: most contestants failed to touch the hard-to-please judge, and as the show progressed his expression varied between glum and annoyed—he may have frightened some of the contestants.

With Femi Kuti away from the show till the end of January, what do the sharply divided opinions mean for the judges as the show progresses through the next two weeks? Next week’s show and contestants might be in for a tough time.

Missed what’s been happening on Idol and need to catch up? Head over to www.nigerianidol.com and catch the latest episodes.

Catch Nigerian Idol on NTA Network at 4:00pm on Sunday and 3:00pm on Saturday; Sound City and ONTV at 7:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays; Silverbird at 8:00pm on Sundays and 7:30pm on Saturdays and on TVC at 9:30pm on Saturdays and 8:30pm on Sundays.

Afrobeat Legend and new judge Femi Kuti, international performing artist Jeffery Daniel from 80s disco/dance group Shalamar, and Nigeria’s soul diva Yinka Davies are the judges this season,with suave host Ill Rhymz will bringing us the highs and the lows throughout the competition.

The Idol grand prize is worth $100,000, in which the lucky winner will get: 7.5 million naira in cash, a recording contract also worth 7.5 million naira, and a brand new SUV. Runner-ups will also receive prizes worth a total of 10 million naira.

– Visit http://www.Nigerianidol.com for compelling back story videos, juicy behind the scene news, and get a taste of what is coming. For the latest information, Like the Nigerian Idol Facebook page (www.facebook.com/NigIdol), and follow Nigeria Idol on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NigerianIdol — and you could be eligible to win some fantastic prizes, including the opportunity to be live in the studio for a recording.

Nigerian Idol is sponsored by Etisalat, in association with Pepsi and supported by Beat FM.