Nigerian Idol: IK Osakioduwa returns as host, Iyanya makes judge debuts  

Nigerian Idol has returned for a rejuvenating edition, marking the 10th year of a journey in making 10 music idols, showcasing talents, and keeping Nigerians glued to their screens to enjoy the best of a music reality show.

Nigerian Idol started with its first season in 2010, with auditions open to every Nigerian between 18 and 28. The first season aired in October 2010.

There have been nine Nigerian Idol winners to date: Onyekachi Elizabeth Gilbert, Mercy Chinwo, Moses Obi Adigwe, Evelle, K-Peace, Kingdom Kroseide, Progress, Victory Gbakara, and Chima Udoye, who was crowned the winner in 2024.

This year, IK Osakioduwa returned as the host of the show, while Omawumi Megbele and Ric Hassani returned as judges, with the addition of Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk, better known as Iyanya, who is making his debut as a judge.

With the theme “Your Voice, Your Victory,” the 10th season promises to showcase exceptional talents, compelling performances, and intense competition as contestants vie for the ultimate prize.

The entire season is expected to run from Sunday, April 20, to Sunday, July 13, 2025. Auditions and theatre-week shows will air on DSTV Channel 198 and GOTV Channel 49 from April 20 to Monday, July 14, 2025. The live shows will commence on May 25, 2025.

Speaking on the significance of this milestone season, Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa, MultiChoice, Dr. Busola Tejumola, said: “Nigerian Idol is more than just a competition; it is a platform that transforms lives. Over the years, we have seen aspiring artists step onto that stage and emerge as stars. With the lineup of judges this season, fans can expect passion, commitment, and insightful feedback that will enrich the overall experience of the show.

“We are celebrating 10 years; five years of our productions. Regardless of who has produced it, giving a platform to young talents has remained the goal. Our goals are to impact and to thoroughly entertain.

“A lot of the episodes were carefully curated, and more of that should be expected this season.”

When asked why there was no open call for the show, she said: “When you have an open call and ask everyone to come to one venue, you immediately restrict a lot of people. Not many people can travel down to the physical location, and you do not want to segregate people because they cannot travel for an audition.

“When we make it digital, someone in Kaduna can send in their entry, so it’s from the pool of online entries that we then invite people physically for the next phase of the auditions. But the first phase for now will remain open online, just so that we can have the reach and inclusion.”

When asked about the visibility partnering with the show has offered, Brand Manager, Bigi at Rite Foods Limited, Biola Aransiola, said: “MultiChoice is a big platform, and to have that much reach, with many audiences interacting with a brand for four months, is unbeatable.

“We are everywhere, but then we want to be able to speak different languages to the customers too. And again, for visibility, the talents are our greatest visibility.”