Julia Blaise Blog (JBB) can confirm that the much anticipated Nigerian Idol season 4 held its first round of auditions on Saturday, January 25 in Benin City, the Edo state capital. The competition which is sponsored by most innovative telecommunications company, Etisalat, recorded a large pool of talented youths who came out to take their shot at musical stardom. Auditions began at the Excalibur Hotel, G.R.A Benin, after the state’s environmental sanitation exercise. Nigerian Idol hopefuls gathered from different locations in the state and its environs for a chance to secure a spot in the next round of the competition. Each with their different interpretation of music, stage names and regalia were in high spirits as they waited in line for their turn to impress the selectors.
 
One of such contestants, Oghenero Ayavoro a.k.a Voysless from Warri in Delta said it was his first time auditioning for the competition and was grateful for the opportunity to showcase his talent. He was positive of the result of his audition because according to him, he got good comments from the selectors. Another contestant, Melody Gabriel said she aspired to have a successful singing career. For her, the Nigerian Idol competition was all she needed to take her music career to the next level.

Head, Youth Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Elvis Daniel said he was impressed with the number and quality of people who turned up for the audition. “We are excited to be here in Benin in our search for the voice of tomorrow. Already, the crowd here today shows that the brand is aligning with the youth segment which is one of our core targets and we are very pleased with that,” he said.

The last three seasons of Nigerian Idol have seen strong contenders emerge from Benin with Moses Obi-Adigwe, a Benin-based student at the time, emerging winner of last season. He was present at the auditions to give his moral support and offer some words of encouragement to the Nigerian Idol hopefuls.

The audition train moves to Port-Harcourt on the 1st of February at the Presidential Hotel where the search continues for Nigeria’s exceptional talents. Monty Suites will be the location in Calabar on February 8th, while Makurdi will play host on February 15th at Smileview Hotel Extension. The final stage of the auditions will hold in Lagos at Dream Studios, Omole on the 22nd and 23rd of February.

The show will air on select cable and terrestrial television stations starting March 1st, 2014.