Season 8 of the ongoing music reality show, Nigerian Idol is inching towards the crescendo with the emergence of the top six contestants, which followed last Sunday’s elimination of Chisom from the race.
  
The Sunday live show, which has as its theme, “Family Favourite,” allowed the contestants to perform songs from their families’ library – one they grew up with, or inherited from either of their parents. It also afforded them the opportunity of a family member accompanying them at the waiting lounge.
    
First to go on stage was Victory Gbakara, who gave a delightful rendition of My Redeemer Lives, by Nicole C. Mullen. His performance got good commendations from the judges.
   
Next, to be announced as safe from elimination was Ose Daniel, who gave an outstanding rendition of George Benson’s Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You in the presence of his mum.
  
Known for his charming stage character and personality, Daniel serenaded his mother and declared his love for her when the show host, IK Osakodiuwa called her to the stage after the performance.
   
Like the diva that she is, beautiful and trendy Precious Mac wowed the studio audience and viewers at home with her charming rendition of From This Moment by Shania Twain, bringing her sister to tears owing to the beautiful performance and delivery.
  
Expressing her fondness for Mac’s voice, Simi described the performance as magical.
   
Gorgeous and Bold Goodness came up next and gave a well-received performance of Mercy Said No, by CeeCee Winans, thus leaving the audience wowed. 
   
While Obi Asika commended her vocal agility, D’banj who was fascinated with expressed pleasure at the performance.   
  
Next on stage was Savy Henry, who gave a warm rendition of Hero by Enrique Iglesias, specifically for his mum. This got Simi commending him for coming out of his comfort zone, adding that the song suited his voice. 
   
His time on stage ended with a cute moment with his mom, as Osakodiuwa also invited her on stage to comment on her son’s exploits on the show. 

Meanwhile, just before the final performance, Simi popped up with a special Father’s Day message to her husband, Adekunle Gold.
   
When it was finally time to decide who would become the last contestant to make it to the Top 6, a showdown between Chisom and Quest ensued. After a few minutes of tension, Quest was announced as the chosen one. This ultimately meant Chisom was out of the competition. 
  
Graceful Quest solidified her spot with CeCe Winans’ Alabaster Box. Obi commended her vocal agility, while Simi advised her to enunciate her words.
   
His ouster notwithstanding, Chisom said he would do more with his music, urging the world to expect more from him going forward. He exited the stage giving a smooth rendition of I Wanna Know by Joe. 
    
The live shows continue tomorrow. Fans and viewers can vote for their favourite contestants, up to 2500 units via MyDStv and MyGOtv, while an additional 100 votes can be done through the website and mobile phone, respectively. Voting usually opens immediately after the Sunday live show and closes at 9 p.m. on Thursdays.
  
In a bid to add more excitement to the ongoing Season 8, carbonated soft drink and lead sponsors of the music reality show, Bigi (a brand from Rites Food Limited) took consumers and fans by surprise as it brought two past winners – Kingdom Kroseide, and Progress Chukwuyem, to Ikeja City Shopping Mall, Lagos.
  
The event, which witnessed hundreds of spectators, was organised to also commemorate this year’s “Father’s Day” celebration, and give the consumers, as well as, fans the opportunity to connect with the seasons six and seven winners, as well as the lead sponsor.