Iyanya Reveals Why He Missed Nigerian Idol Season 1 Finals
Nigerian Afrobeats star Iyanya has opened up about why he was unable to participate in the finals of the maiden season of Nigerian Idol, despite being selected during auditions in Calabar, Cross River State.
In a recent interview with Hip TV, the Kukere hitmaker shared that both he and fellow singer Omawumi were the only contestants chosen from the Calabar leg of the auditions. However, he had to forgo the opportunity to compete in the finals due to a scheduling conflict with his final year university exams.
“Omawumi and I were the only ones picked at the Calabar Nigerian Idol auditions. I couldn’t make it. I had my final year exam,” he explained. “A year later, I won Project Fame. Today, we’re both judges on Nigerian Idol.”
Iyanya went on to win the first edition of Project Fame West Africa in 2008, a platform that launched his successful music career. Today, he and Omawumi serve as judges on the ongoing season of Nigerian Idol, bringing their journey full circle.
