NIGERIAN IDOL IS HERE!

This year, Optima Media Group (OMG) has acquired the license to produce and air the IDOLS reality show format throughout Nigeria and Pan Africa with the intent to produce an international cross over artiste.

The British talent search television series Pop Idol has spawned spin-offs in 42 territories, in what is now referred to as the "Idols" format, as described by Fremantle Media.

Just like the premise of the original show Pop Idol, Nigerian Idol is a television reality show with a nation-wide search for Nigeria’s next solo superstar, which will offer one young talent the opportunity that raw talented singers have until now, only dreamed of. Nigerian Idol aims to find the best singer in the country who can be defined as the “National” singer, and International Artiste. One contestant will win a top quality management deal and a recording contract with an international record label, setting them on the path to stardom; a path to fame and fortune, and above all – an opportunity to finally fulfill their life-long dreams
In July, applications will be made available to talented singers across Nigeria, aged between 16 and 27 to audition for the chance to be the next 2face Idibia, Alicia Keys, Asa, Rihanna, Darey or Neyo.
A panel of four judges, made up of some of the music industry’s most influential experts, will be faced with the daunting prospect of choosing 50 talented singers to face the viewing public who will decide, in a series of live shows, who most deserves the chance of stardom. This 50 hopefuls will be set tasks to prove that they have got the musical talent to make it in one of the world’s fastest-growing and most competitive music industries. The Winner will be chosen after a live show in which the final two contestants sing to the nation in the hope of clinching the prize that will change their lives forever.
Nigerian Idol will be aired both on cable and terrestrial television across Nigeria.
“We are currently solidifying relationships with major television networks in Nigeria and other African countries, as well as in Europe and the United States. Music is a universal language, and we believe that Nigeria is a hub for music talent. With Nigerian Idol, we are dedicated to showing the world that we ready to cross over into the international music scene. Nigerian Idol will produce the Next Big International Star.” Said Chichi Nwoko, Deputy Director International Sponsorship & Sales for OMG.
“We are aware that there is skepticism among the local entertainment press about Nigerian Idol as singing contests are common in local television, with recent ones branded as Idol knockoffs. However, we can assure you that this is the Real Deal. As licensed right owners, our company has a responsibility to comply with the original format structure and production owned by Freemantle. Hence, we will NOT compromise on production quality and deliverables.” Said Rotimi Pedro, Managing Director Optima Media Group (OMG).

11 QUICK FACTS ABOUT NIGERIAN IDOL
1. Optima Media Group are the licensees for Nigerian IDOL
2. Free Mantle Media UK created the British TV series Pop Idol which has now become a global phenomenon known as IDOL.
3. IDOL has been produced in many countries of the world including Germany, Turkey, Australia, Poland, USA, Sweden, France, Belgium, and in Asia including SaudiArabia
4. OMG as a media company has vast interests in sports, entertainment, events and publishing has partnered major organisations in the world
5. Accept no Limitations’’ is the pay-off line for Nigerian Idol
6. Young people between 17 and 28 are eligible for the auditions
7. Nigerian Idol will be aired across Nigeria, other African countries and overseas
8. 50 contestants will be selected from the auditions as finalists
9. This is the debut edition of Nigerian idol
10. There would be four judges on the show
11. Auditions will hold in six cities in Nigeria