The intriguing, exciting and impressive auditions of Nigerian Idol season 9 have finally come to an end. After sifting through thousands of hopefuls, the top 10 are about to emerge, as the live shows are set to begin on May 26, 2024.

While nine contestants have successfully secured spots in the live show, the final spot for the 10th contestant remains undecided. Viewers now have the opportunity to vote and determine who makes it between Japh Kenti and Lammy to join the live show lineup.

After surviving the auditions and Theatre Week, which consisted of the duet, battles and a final performance, the top nine contestants were revealed and will battle it out, performing for a live audience next Sunday.

The contestants who have earned their place in the live show through talent, perseverance, and sheer determination are Chioma, Mira Clear, David Garland, Lady Ruth, Stevie, Maio, Gracia, Jennifer Igomu, Chima, Japh Kenti, and Lammy.

Progressing, Obi Asika appeared on the show in place of Omawumi as a judge for the episode. Additionally, past winners such as Victory Gbakara and Progress made appearances on the show to provide advice from their own experiences.

The first contestant who made it to the top 10 was Chioma, who delivered a stellar performance during her solo audition with Jennifer Hudson’s hit song If This Isn’t Love. After working hard for a great performance, her talent shone through once again, securing her a well-deserved spot among the top 10 contenders.

The second top 10 contestant was Mira Clear, who had dreamt of making it to the Nigerian Idol live shows. She delivered a fantastic performance of Bob Marley and the Wailers’ song, No Woman No Cry, and secured a spot. David Garland did not only impress the judges by successfully pulling off a pink suit, his excellent solo performance of Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On, earned him a stop on the top 10.

As the selection process continued, only seven spots remained, and many talented hopefuls had their dreams of making the top 10 cut short as their journey abruptly ended. The moments were heartbreaking. Contestants like Mikki, a platinum ticket winner and others like Tari, Sapphire Whinnas, Teddy, Alfred Greatness, and many others reluctantly bid the show farewell.

The positive streak continued with Lady Ruth, Stevie who left a teaching career in pursuit of success in the music industry, Maio who gave a performance that earned him a standing ovation from Ric Hassani, Gracia, and Jennifer Igomu who got beyond a birthday cake from the judges but also a well-deserved pass to the top 10. Each one of them blew the judges away with their vocals and performances to earn them a spot on the live show.

Making it to the top 10 was also Chima, a platinum ticket winner determined to surpass the disappointments of the previous season. The judges were impressed by his performance of Giveon’s Stuck on You, and Chima secured a coveted spot in the top 10, a step closer to his dreams. He had redeemed himself after failing to make the top 10 last season.

Sadly, the Nigerian Idol season 9 journey ended for Japheth who was also a platinum ticket winner. Dakor, Victor Annie, JayB, and Sammie Voice journey also ended.

The battle for the final spot came down to Japh Kenti and Lammy. Japh performed Mario’s Let Me Love You while Lammy performed Teni’s Case like never heard before. Both contestants tried to prove they had what it takes to make the last contestant on the top 10 list. With only one slot remaining, the decision is now left in the hands of viewers of the show.

Viewers will be voting to decide who makes the 10th spot, and the winner will be announced during the next episode, which will be the live show. To vote, viewers can visit either the Africa Magic website or mobile site or use the MyDStv or MyGOtv apps to vote for who they believe has what it takes to make it as the 10th contestant in the top 10 between Japh and Lammy. Voting is free.

As the live shows are set to begin, viewers can enjoy live performances every Sunday on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv channel 151, GOtv channel 12), and Africa Magic Family (DStv channel 154 & GOtv channel 2) from 7 pm. You can also catch all the auditions from day one and the behind-the-scenes episodes on Nigerian Idol Extra, airing daily on (DStv channel 198 and GOtv channel 49).