[GIST]Nigerian Idol returns with Season 3

Optima Media Group (OMG), executive producers of Nigerian Idols, the most watched music reality TV show has announced the return of Nigerian Idols for what promises to be a breath-taking season. The 3rd season of Nigerian Idols was launched on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at a media event in Lagos at the Shaba Events Centre, Ikeja which saw mind blowing performances by past winners of Nigerian Idol Mercy (Season 1) also runner-up for the two seasons, Naomi, Stephen, and Joe Blue. Etisalat announced its continued sponsorship of Nigeria’s version of the world’s biggest reality TV show. “We are very excited to announce the continuation of our lead sponsorship of Nigerian Idol till 2013, and our desire to continue to empower Nigerian youths and are calling on all youth to be the ‘voice of tomorrow,” said Etisalat’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Wael Ammar. Also, returning to Idols for another thrilling season are the judges; African-American dancer, singer and Michael Jackson’s personal choreographer; Jeffrey Daniels, veteran singer Yinka Davies, and the Area Father; Charly Boy. On Air Personality, Ill Rhymz also returns as this year’s host. “One of the greatest highlights of my year in the last three is spent through the months of this phenomenal how. Talents I have come across are amazing and the idea of being part of this huge international platform giving birth to dreams and great acts across the world for someone who has graced stages in different parts of the continent, worked with amazing acts and several A- List producers in America, it’s most fulfilling. I am truly excited to give back and groom these young stars and that’s why I would be on the show as long as they want me,” said Jeffrey Daniels, who was present at the media launch. The prize for this season is 100,000 USD and the elements are thus; 7.5 million Naira cash prize, a recording contract worth 7.5 million Naira, and a SUV. “This season, we will be expanding our reach from 4 audition cities to 5 cities. This is to ensure that a lot more people have a shorter distance to travel to get to the nearest audition centres. We are extremely pleased with Nigerian Idol season 2 and research findings show that Nigeria is pleased as well as such we will be concentrating effort more on improving the things we did right,” said the project manager; Tiwa Medubi during the press conference. The global franchise has produced leading music stars around the world like Reuben Studdard, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, and Nigeria’s Yeka whose music career has taken off with the release of two well received singles (Follow You and E Wa Bamijo) and last season’s winner, Mercy who is making waves with a busy itinery of live performances. The launch event also saw a “Press Idol” competition powered by Etisalat for the members of the media to compete for cash prizes of $1,000, $500, and $200 respectively for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. Also, the Dance Na The Main Thing (DNTMT) gave a highly energetic performance. As Nigerian Idols is set to storm the cities of Lagos, Abuja, Owerri, PortHarcourt, and Benin in search of Nigeria’s biggest but undiscovered talent, lead sponsor for this year’s season remains Etisalat Nigeria; Associate sponsors are leading beverage brand Pepsi who will be supported by Megalectrics