Francis and Kingdom will take the stage next week to perform in hopes of securing Naija’s votes and ultimately become the next Nigerian Idol! While we await the Nigerian Idol season 6 winner to be crowned, let’s have a little throwback moment with Francis and Kingdom, shall we?
Golden Ticket-worthy
The Nigerian Idol Top 2 gave us every reason to believe the Judges made no mistake in giving them their well-deserved Golden Tickets. We can’t easily forget how Kingdom got a hug from DJ Sose, while also leaving Seyi Shay teary eyed during his Audition. It was the first time we had ever seen such a reaction and just judging by it, we knew Kingdom was destined for great things on Nigerian Idol. On the other hand, Francis’ stellar performance of Sam Smith’s “I’m Not The Only One” left us all in awe as he maintained that energy right from the Auditions stage to Theatre Week and of course, till this very moment. Their final performances at Theatre Week got them each a big, fat “Yes” from all our Judges, effectively sealing their spots in the Nigerian Idol Top 11.
They left us drooling every Sunday
When tasked to perform some of our favourite African classics in the first Live Show, Francis showed us that he is no stranger to delivering classic performances as he performed Lucky Dube’s ‘Remember Me’, from his 1989 album ‘Prisoner’, partly because his father loved the song, and also because he wanted to spare a thought for people who had to grow up without a father figure. Making the stage his jungle that Sunday, Kingdom serenaded us with his roaring performance of ‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight,' a song originally written by Solomon Linda as "Mbube" and later recorded by Lebo M for the soundtrack album of the 1994 Disney animated film The Lion King’ - a rendition which sat well with the judges as Obi Asika commented on his “presence.”
Our first Guest Judge, Mr P, came on the show and confirmed Naija’s reasons for keeping Kingdom and Francis in the competition after their mind-blowing performances that Sunday. Kingdom’s rendition of ‘Feeling Good’ by Nina Simone left the judges speechless. Mr P said that he was going to shine and go places in life, especially in music. Francis’ rendition of ‘Hello’ by Lionel Richie gave Mr P a “I’m winning this competition” kind of confidence from Francis. Well, we’ll find out next week…
Moving on to the Naija jams train, the sentence “Naija no dey carry last”, was well displayed in the Live Shows, as these two showed us that they can give us back-to-back performances and also, that the genre of music was no barrier. Francis lit up the stage with his cover of ‘Pray For Me’ by Darey ft Soweto Gospel Choir and Kingdom brought his energy to the Live Show as he covered Timi Dakolo’s ‘Iyawo Mi’. Oh, how could we forget Fela Week, when Francis received a standing ovation after he sang ‘Yellow Fever’, and Obi Asika praised his synergy with the band. Kingdom also wowed the Judges with his version of ‘Gentleman’ by the great Fela Kuti. The Judges were all thrilled with his performance and Seyi Shay exclaimed, “You are incredible!”
We could go on and on about how Francis and Kingdom have kept us entertained through the season with their amazing vocals and undeniable stage presence. They’ve shown us so many different colours, leaving us with no atom of doubt that they can almost make anything sound beautiful with their voices. This obviously makes it that much harder to predict who’ll lift the trophy next Sunday.
From facing possible Elimination, to Top 2 geng!
We can’t highlight their journeys in the race without talking about the fact that Francis and Kingdom have both at different times sat on the cold seat of possible Elimination. Little did they know that their singing skills and fan votes would secure them each a spot in the Nigerian Idol Top 2. From Auditions, all the way through to Live Show performances, Francis and Kingdom have truly understood the Nigerian Idol assignment.
Francis and Kingdom are set to bring the heat to the live stage next Sunday as they battle for the season 6 crown. Can you predict who will take the title home? Their fate lies in your hands to decide our #NigerianIdol season 6 winner.
Voting lines are OPEN till Thursday at 9PM, so get voting NOW! Nigerian Idol season 6 is sponsored by Bigi Drinks and Tecno Mobile. Keep it locked on our social media platforms Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest details. Watch Nigerian on Africa Magic Showcase, Urban and Family every Sunday from 7pm. You can catch up on all the episodes on the DStv App and watch the latest behind the scenes on Showmax' Countdown to Showtime.