•Double Shocker As Mikki, Lawrence Exit Competition

After months of anticipation and weeks of sieving through the hordes of dreamers via the various stages of selection —open audition (wooden mic) to theatre week, semi-finals and then live shows — the final day of 2025 competition is finally here, Sunday, July 13.

This edition, 10th in the series, began with online auditions where Nigerians aged 16 to 30 submitted their entries, which included a 30-second video. The audition period closed on February 2, while the live shows began on May 25, with the Top 10 contestants —Mikki, Raymu, Ellacentric, Kristopher, Sally, Boss Lady, Brammy, Jkenova, Lawrence, and Purp— performing on a Billboard Takeover themed night.

After weeks of slaying stages with vocals, visuals, vibes and surviving eliminations that had viewers (both studio guests and television) all screaming, the Top 2 contestants — Purp and Raymu— last weekend officially entered the final with one of them poised to claim the coveted crown of Nigerian Idol Season 10.

Last Sunday’s episode of the live show was everything —emotional, electrifying, and downright unforgettable. What started with four incredibly talented finalists quickly turned into a bittersweet night of cheers, tears, and game-changing performances, as Mikki, the fans favourite, and Lawrence were eliminated. The development leaves the viewers with just two contestants —Purp and Raymu.

The night unfolded in three explosive segments: Judges’ Choice, This Is How It Should Be Done, and Viewers’ Choice. In the Judges’ Choice, the judges pulled out their best picks, and the contestants delivered.

Purp opened with a graceful rendition of Whitney Houston’s Greatest Love of All, which was powerful, poised, and perfectly delivered. Lawrence bared his soul with Bruno Mars’ When I Was Your Man, showing the emotional control we have come to love him for.

Raymu set the stage ablaze with Usher’s Burn, which he delivered with smooth vocals, and undeniable stage presence. Mikki, who had been the fan’s favourite, soared with You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban, pulling on every heartstring in the room.

But then came the night’s first heartbreak —Lawrence elimination: Moments later, the next shocker hit, as Mikki was also voted out, narrowing the dreamers to two.

The second segment flipped the script as the finalists were asked to perform songs that other contestants butchered during the audition phase, the ones that left judges cringing. It was their moment to show exactly how it should have been done.

Purp performed Anyone by Demi Lovato, a song that stumped many during auditions. But with her powerful vocals and emotional depth, she transformed it into a haunting, heartfelt performance. “This is for anyone who feels alone,” she said, her voice carrying strength and vulnerability.

Raymu took on Fallin by Alicia Keys, one of the most poorly delivered songs during the audition rounds. His smooth tone, honesty, and vocal control brought life back to the song. “Alicia Keys is who I aspire to be; I want to be a believable singer,” he shared before leaving the audience completely drawn in.

In the viewers’ choice, the finalists brought the fire. Raymu delivered a hauntingly beautiful rendition of Lay Me Down by Sam Smith. Omawumi summed it up perfectly: “You shone through the night.” Purp followed with Anita Baker’s Sweet Love, wrapping the room in warmth and effortless elegance.

Before the night wrapped, Lawrence returned for one final performance of Bruises by Lewis Capaldi, a moving reminder of how far he’d come. Mikki followed with We Are the World, a fitting close to his journey of unity, power, and voice.

With the grand finale just hours away, who will become the next Nigerian Idol?