Searching for the Next Big International Star: Nigerian Idol Has Arrived

As their American counterparts reach a turning point with the exit of multi-millionaire ‘super judge’, Simon Cowell; Nigerian Idols has returned to the shores of our great nation. We say returned because in 2007, the show successfully completed a season as “West African Idols” and introduced us to music stars Omawumi and Timi Dakolo. Since then, quite a number of music shows have emerged and the TV reality music format just keeps growing.

So what is different this time? The show has been licensed to a different company – Optima Media Group. Nigerian Idol will kickoff auditions in July 2010 with the finale airing in December 2010.

According to the organizers of the show, “Just like the premise of the original show Pop Idol, Nigerian Idol is a television reality show with a nation-wide search for Nigeria’s next solo superstar, which will offer one young hopeful the opportunity that raw talented singers have until now, only dreamed of. Nigerian Idol aims to find the best singer in the country who can be defined as the “National” singer, and International Artiste. One contestant will win an top quality management deal and a recording contract with an international record label, setting them on the path to stardom“

In July of this year, applications will be made available to talented singers across Nigeria, aged between 16 and 27 to audition for the chance to be the next 2face Idibia, Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Asa or Neyo. A panel of four judges, made up of some of the music industry’s most influential experts, will be faced with the daunting prospect of choosing 50 talented singers to face the viewing public who will decide, in a series of live shows, who most deserves the chance of stardom. This 50 hopefuls will be set tasks to prove that they have got the musical talent to make it in one of the world’s most competitive industries. The winner will be chosen after a live show in which the final two contestants sing to the nation in the hope of clinching the prize that will change their lives forever.

The show will be aired both on cable and terrestrial television across Nigeria. “We are currently solidifying relationships with a few television networks in other African countries, as well as in Europe and the United States. Music is a universal language, and we believe that Nigeria is a hub for music talent. With Nigerian Idol, we are dedicated to showing the world that we ready to cross over into the international music scene. Nigerian Idol will produce the the Next Big International Star.” Said Chichi Nwoko, Deputy Director International Sponsorship & Sales for OMG.

So what do you think about the show? What will you like to see done differently this time?