By Oghenekevwe Kofi
As Nigerian Idol celebrates its 10th anniversary, the iconic music competition is set to deliver its most electrifying season yet. This landmark edition not only honors a decade of musical discovery but also reaffirms the show’s place as a cultural force in Nigeria’s entertainment landscape.
Returning with a stellar cast of judging panel, the new season welcomes powerhouse vocalist Omawumi, Afropop sensation Iyanya, and the soulful Ric Hassani. Fans can also look forward to the charismatic Ik Osakioduwa reprising his role as host, bringing his signature energy, Victory Gbakaraverve and wit to the stage once again.
Photo: Nine past winners
A Decade of Stars: Nigerian Idol Winners and Where They Are Now
- Yeka Onka (Season 1, 2011)
After her victory, Yeka Onka released several singles and transitioned into gospel music, viewing this shift as a divine calling. She is also an entrepreneur and a certified digital marketer. Yeka remains active in the music scene, frequently sharing her musical projects and entrepreneurial ventures on her Instagram account. - Mercy Chinwo (Season 2, 2012)
Mercy Chinwo has become a prominent gospel artist known for hits like “Excess Love” and “Obinasom.” She has amassed a significant following on social media, with over 4 million followers on Instagram. Mercy continues to release inspiring gospel music and perform at various events. - Moses Obi-Adigwe (Season 3, 2013)
Moses, the first male winner of Nigerian Idol, released multiple singles post-victory. He has faced challenges in the industry, including delays in receiving his prize money. Despite these hurdles, Moses remains involved in music and event curation, as indicated on his Instagram profile. - Evelle Zibili (Season 4, 2014)
Evelle has continued to make her mark in the music industry, performing at notable events such as TEDxLagos. She actively shares her musical journey and performances on her social media platforms. - K-Peace (Kunle Ogunrombi) (Season 5, 2015)
Known for his Fuji-infused style, K-Peace has diversified his career to include live band performances, music production, acting, and event hosting. Recently, he publicly accused the organizers of Nigerian Idol of withholding his prize money even after ten years. - Kingdom Kroseide (Season 6, 2021)
Following his win, Kingdom was appointed Youth Ambassador for Bayelsa State and received an educational scholarship. He has released singles like “Love Call” and “Shey You Go Dey,” and continues to perform at various events. - Progress Chukwuyem (Season 7, 2022)
Progress has been active in the music scene, releasing his EP titled “THIS IS MY EXODUS.” He has also performed at various concerts and events. In interviews, he has discussed the increased attention from fans, particularly female admirers, following his win. - Victory Gbakara (Season 8, 2023)
Victory, a lawyer and singer-songwriter, has been focusing on his music career post-Nigerian Idol. He actively shares his musical projects and collaborations on his Instagram account. - Chima Udoye (Season 9, 2024)
As the most recent winner, Chima is establishing his presence in the music industry. He describes himself as a lounge singer, professional background vocalist, and jazz & soul artist. Chima regularly updates his followers on his musical journey through his Instagram account.
Over the past decade, Nigerian Idol has served as a powerful launchpad for rising stars in the Nigerian music industry. From gospel powerhouse Mercy Chinwo to genre-blending talents like K-Peace and soulful newcomers like Chima Udoye, each winner has taken a unique path after clinching the coveted title. Some have found fame in gospel music, others have carved out careers in Afrobeats, jazz, or live band entertainment.
As the show celebrates its milestone 10th edition in 2025—with Omawumi, Iyanya, and Ric Hassani as judges and Ik Osakioduwa as host—fans are reminded of the show’s enduring legacy of turning dreams into stardom. This landmark season will premiere on April 20th, which fittingly falls on Easter Sunday, symbolizing new beginnings for a fresh wave of musical talent.
