After months of competing with some of Nigeria's best performers and vocalists on the ninth season of Nigerian Idol, Chima Udoye has been crowned the winner of this year's edition at the finale which held on Sunday, July 14, 2024.
The fast-rising star emerged winner after polling more votes than the remaining top 3 contestants – Chioma and Lammy.
Watch Chioma perform 'Roar' by Katy Perry
With an intense finale episode, the live show started with the top 10 contestants taking to the stage to perform John Legend's ‘Glory.’ It was immediately followed by the winners' performances. Progress, Nigerian Idol Season 7 winner, performed alongside the Bigi Idol winner. Victory Gbakara, Nigerian Idol Season 8 winner, performed an original he wrote before his season’s finale. The night soon got intense with performances from guest performers such as Chike, Simi and then the top 3 finalists. Soon after, the winner Chima was crowned.
Watch Lammy perform 'Pray' by Sam Smith
Chima is known for his onstage charisma and vocal dexterity that have left the judges - 9ice, Omawumi and Ric Hassani - speechless with every performance. During the finale performances, Omawumi pointed out that Chima was in a competition with himself - a true testament to how his rise on the show reflects how much he is capable of beyond the boundaries of the competition.
Watch Omawumi and the Top 7 perform 'Thank God'
Specialising in jazz and soul music, Chima revealed at the beginning of the season that he hopes to showcase not only his vocal prowess but also use the Nigerian Idol platform to inspire others. Twelve weeks later, he has been crowned the winner.
Watch Chima perform 'Feeling Good' by Michael Bublé
During her speech at the finale, Dr. Busola Tejumola, Executive Head, Content & Channels, West Africa, MultiChoice, commended Chima for emerging winner while highlighting the resilience it took for him to get to this spot.
Following a night of live performances from vocal powerhouses and artists such as Simi, Chike, and Victory Gbakara, Nigerian Idol S8 winner; Chima was presented with a cash prize of N30 million, a brand new SUV, DStv Explora plus a one year premium subscription. The grand prize also includes a music deal and a music video.