Nigerian Idol Season 9 delivered a thrilling and emotional semi-final episode this past Sunday, featuring unexpected song selections, a dramatic judge’s save, and a heart-warming reunion courtesy of the Bigi brand. The remaining contestants—Mira Clear, Lammy, Chioma, and Chima—battled fiercely for a coveted spot in the upcoming finale, making for an unforgettable evening of music and emotion.
In a twist that added a strategic layer to the competition, judges Ric Hassani, Omawumi, and 9ice were tasked with selecting songs for the finalists. Contestants then had to guess which judge had chosen their song, a challenge that brought an extra element of surprise to their performances. Ric Hassani emerged as the winner of this round, correctly identifying the most song choices, and as a reward, he was granted the power to save one eliminated contestant—a game-changing advantage in the high-stakes semi-final.
The evening saw a series of standout performances. Chioma mesmerised the audience with her rendition of Jodie’s “Kuchi Kuchi,” while Chima’s soulful interpretation of “Not the Girl” by Dare Art Alade left the judges deeply impressed, solidifying his status as a top contender. Although Mira Clear was ultimately eliminated, her passionate performance of Omawumi’s “If You Ask Me” earned her a standing ovation, showcasing her undeniable talent. Lammy also delivered a heartfelt rendition of Tuface’s “African Queen,” adding to the night’s emotional intensity.
Adding to the emotional depth of the evening, the Bigi brand orchestrated a heart-warming surprise by reuniting the contestants with their parents live on stage. The unexpected reunion brought tears of joy and visibly boosted the contestants’ morale, creating a touching moment that resonated with the audience.
The competition intensified as the remaining Top 3—Chima, Lammy, and Chioma—returned for a second round of performances alongside the musical group 121Selah. Chima delivered a captivating version of Stevie Wonder’s “As,” while Chioma showcased her vocal range with Jennifer Hudson’s “One Night Only.” Lammy’s powerful performance of Alexander Burke’s “Hallelujah” rounded off a night of exceptional talent.
The evening concluded with a stirring rendition of 121Selah’s “Let Me In,” leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the grand finale.
With the grand finale just around the corner, the question on everyone’s mind is: who will be crowned the next Nigerian Idol? The showdown promises to be a spectacular event. Viewers can catch all the action live on Sunday at 7 pm on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family.