By Ayo Onikoyi

The grand finale of Nigerian Idol season 9 held on Sunday with the most impressive contestant, Chima Udoye emerging as the winner.

Chima’s victory earned him the grand prize of 30 million naira, a brand new SUV, a music deal with a music video, and a DSTV Explora with a one-year premium subscription.

The night featured some captivating performances including an inspiring rendition of John Legend’s “Glory” by the top 10 contestants; Judge Omawumi’s performance of her track “Thank God” with some of the contestants; performances from past winners Progress Chukwuyem and Victory Gbakara and guest performances from Chike and Simi.

Speaking at the finale, the Executive Head of Content and Channels at MultiChoice West Africa, Dr. Busola Tejumola, applauded all contestants for their hard work and dedication throughout the season.

“For many years, Nigerian Idol has continued to shine as a platform for aspiring singers to make their mark and thrive, and this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. We have witnessed incredible talent and unforgettable performances. Congratulations to Chima and all the contestants for their hard work and dedication. We look forward to seeing their future exploits in the music industry, as this is just the start,” she said.

Chima now joins the league of past winners such as Kingdom Kroseide, Mercy Chinwo, and K-Peace, among others. Over the years, the Idol franchise has also produced some of Nigeria’s biggest singers,  including Omawumi, Timi Dakolo, and Mercy Chinwo, who have gained significant recognition in the global music industry.