Nigerian singer Iyanya has been announced as the newest judge for the 10th season of Nigerian Idol, joining Omawumi and Ric Hassani on the panel.
The announcement was made at an event in Lagos, where Busola Tejumola, the executive head at MultiChoice, spoke about the show’s impact on Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
She highlighted how Nigerian Idol has helped discover talents like Timi Dakolo and Omawumi, while also creating opportunities for artists, producers, and content creators.
“Our theme this season, Your Voice, Your Victory, captures the essence of the show—passion, resilience, and self-expression,” Tejumola said. “As we celebrate our 10th season, we promise a bigger, better, and more competitive experience. Expect improved stage design, top-tier judges, and more fan engagement.”
Iyanya, who gained fame after winning a music reality show himself, described his new role as a judge as a “full circle moment.”
The 10th season of Nigerian Idol will run from April 20 to July 13. Auditions and theatre week start on April 20, while live shows will begin on May 25.
IK Osakioduwa will return as host for the fifth time.
The previous season’s winner, Chima Udoye, closed the unveiling event with a live performance. The 2024 champion took home a grand prize of ₦30 million, a brand-new SUV, a record deal, and a music video shoot.