By Dipo Olowookere

For ardent followers of happenings in the entertainment industry in Nigeria, one of the questions on their lips is who wins Nigerian Idol Season 6 on Sunday, July 11, 2021?

Last week, Kingdom Kroseide and Francis Atela made it to the final round of the prestigious programme after they received the highest votes from viewers.

They now have the chance to win the prize of a recording contract with a leading record label and N50 million worth of prizes when the show climaxes this weekend.

The host of the show, IK Osakioduwa, announced the eviction of Akunna after she raked the lowest number of votes from viewers. However, she performed a song to bid the show farewell and she did not fall below expectation when she entertained her fans with Set Fire to the Rain by Adele.

After her performance, it was time for the two finalists to slug it out, singing three songs each, which comprise their choice of song, their favourite, and the one the judges think they did best in the show.

As the performance of the top two commenced, Kingdom did excellently well with the song Say Something by A Great Big World, and wowed the judges, as they commented.

DJ Sose put in good words saying, “We are not giving up on you, you keep climbing higher.” For Seyi Shay, she said, “Perfect song, l am very proud of you, your performance is magical and l am proud of you.”

Not left out was Obi Asika, who enthused, “You always have the voice, your confidence shows you know what you are doing. You also have the swag.”

Francis first song, So High, by John Legend, was welcomed with accolades as Asika remarked, “You had a stadium performance, l can feel what you are singing.” DJ Sose, who was very elated, pointed out his excellent stage presence and quality voice, saying “lots of people can feel what you are singing and you have proved why you are here.”

It was indeed exciting as the next round of songs chosen by the top two contestants was captivating and ushered in good words from the judges.

Kingdom’s rendition of the song, Lions Sleeps Tonight by Solomon Linda, was hailed by Asika, who said his performance was world-class.

“Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening” was what DJ Sose, an award-winning Nigerian-Hungarian disc jockey, said, adding that, “You have brought the kingdom down and have given it to everybody,” while Seyi Shay said, “You are just making my head bigger and bigger, indeed you have too much to show the world.”

As the show continued, Francis’ second song Please forgive me by Bryan Adams left Seyi Shay speechless, while DJ Sose posited, “I like that, you did it technically. I would prefer you walk the stage more than you did,” with Asika stating that, “You have the presence and the voice, well done.”

Like the previous performance, Francis’ third song from a collection of Marvin Gaye Sexual Healings aroused Asika’s choice of sweet words. “Your voice is so unique, it sounds awesome,” the music executive said, while DJ Sose said, “Whether you win or not, you are a star,” with Seyi Shay saying, “You are incredible.”

Kingdom’s Just the way you are by Bruno Mars was also exhilarating, a performance that made Seyi Shay exclaim in Yoruba language saying, Kilode, meaning what is this? She continued with joy, expressing herself, stating, “You are perfect, fantastic, thank you for that.”

Also, Asika extolled him saying, “You guys are creating problems here today; your performance, stage presence and swag are all incredible. You are going to be a star,” while DJ Sose affirmed “we are overly impressed, you are not the same guy we met at the beginning of the show. Nigeria, please vote.”

As the show climaxes on July 11, the votes of the over 11 million fans will decide who wears the crown as the Nigerian Idol winner of Season 6 sponsored by Rite Foods’ Bigi soft drinks.

The show airs on DStv Channel 198 and GOtv Channel 29.