Meet the ‘Nigerian Idol’s’ seven lucky finalists

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The Nigerian Idol is definitely one of the most viewed programmes on television at the moment. Unlike other reality shows, the Idols drills contestants to an almost unbearable level to get the best from them. Of the about 5,000 who started the auditioning, the contestants have been pruned to seven. A tour of the Nigerian Compass was conducted by the seven during the week and we got a chance to know them better.

I am small, but mighty —Naomi Mac

Interview by Hazeez Balogun

Which state are you from?

Bayelsa .

How did you get to hear about the Nigerian Idols?

I did not just wake up one day to pick a form. Actually, I got to know about it from an aunt. She asked me to go for the Nigerian Idol. I had gone for another audition prior to that, but I did not make it. I registered for the Nigerian Idol, went for the audition, got a call back and so on. Now, luckily for me, I’m among the top 10 contestants.

Any previous music experience?

No, I haven’t had any. I’ve always wanted a platform where I will sing and people can hear me. Whenever I’m on stage, I always feel like ‘’yes, this is me”. I have always been interested and excited to be on stage.

What have you learnt in the house?

I have learnt a lot. I have gotten better and I have learnt a lot from my rehearsals. My performances on stage have improved and so have my vocals and I’m really happy about that.

When Idols started, there were over 5,000 people that auditioned and you happened to be among the finalists with just six other people left. What is your secret?

God, first thing. From the beginning, it has always been God. Many people better than me have left since the audition began. So far, God has been good to me. I see myself as the Nigerian Idol for this year. I know I am a winner.

You are really petite. Do you think people vote for you out of pity because you look tiny?

I would say that that was an issue because most people call me “small but mighty” or “dynamite” and so on. I’m actually the youngest contestant right now. I am 19 years old. I would say my size works for me. People approach me and say “Naomi, where did that voice come from? And I say ‘it is God”.

What are your parents’ opinion concerning your choice of music as a career?

I thank God for my parents and family. They have been very supportive. Music has always been a family thing. They believe in it and they support me because they don’t see anything bad in it. They have been great. Kudos to them and I am using this medium to say a very big thank you to them.

What are you going to do with the money if you win?

I would take care of my family, and work on improving my music career.

Do you have a boyfriend?

Yes, I do and so far he has been a great support.