Zadok and Progress emerged the top two finalists in the Nigerian Idol Season 7 competition as Banty was evicted from the show on Sunday night due to her least votes.
D’banj, fondly called the kokomaster, promised to have a studio session with the Warri-born singer Banty, even after she was out of the competition.
Before the competition started, the host, IK Osakioduwa revealed that the season received over 175 million votes with 34 million recorded for the new week as fans voted continuously to save their favourites.
The show started with ex-Nigerian Idol contestants who opened the night with thrilling performances with a medley of songs and were joined shortly by the top three finalists. Among the songs they performed were Fela’s Shakara and Wizkid’s Ojuelegba.
For the night of performances, the top two finalists, Progress and Zadok performed three rounds of songs which included their favourite song, the judges’ favourite, and a final one with the 121 Selah choir.
Progress received a standing ovation from the audience and judges as he made his first performance for the night with a song by Sam Cooke’s ‘The Change Is Gonna Come’. Zadok turned up the atmosphere with his performance of Michael Bolton’s ‘When A Man Loves A Woman’.
Again, Progress opened the next set of performances with Wizkid’s ‘Joy’, and his rich vocals shone through the rendition.
Zadok performed another Michael Bolton song chosen by Simi and did justice to the infamous Soul Provider. For his colourful performance, he received a flower from a female audience member.
For the final round, Progres and Zadok went head to head with their performances with the 121 Selah choir. For Progress, he performed Jon Ogah’s, ‘Uncle Suru’. In reaction to his performance, the judges applauded him and commented on his growth since he came on the show.
Zadok closed out the show with Timi Dakolo’s ‘Wish Me Well’, and he proved why he deserved to be one of the finalists.
The pen-ultimate live show had a star-studded audience with attendees like God Friended Me star Brandon Michael Hall; The Real Housewives of Johannesburg star, Tarina Patel; Bob Hart Abishola star and Episode director, Bayo Akinfemi; and the CEO of MIPAD, Kamil Olufowobi.
However, the Nigerian Idol Season 7 grand finale airs next week. Fans are expected to vote for their favourite contestants as the power to determine the winner lies solely in the hands of the viewers. Meanwhile, voting is open till 9 pm on Friday, 20 May 2022, also voting can be done through the Africa Magic website, mobile site, and MyDStv and MyGOtv apps.