Popular Afrobeats star, Iyanya, has opened up about the early days of his music career, revealing how a missed opportunity at Nigerian Idol led him to an even bigger break.
In a recent interview with Hip TV, the “Kukere” crooner shared the story of how he auditioned for the first season of Nigerian Idol in 2007 but had to forgo the show due to academic commitments. Interestingly, he was selected alongside fellow singer Omawumi during the auditions held in Calabar, Cross River State.
Only two were selected from Calabar auditions
Iyanya explained that he and Omawumi were the only two contestants picked from the Calabar leg of the auditions for the maiden edition of Nigerian Idol. However, despite being among the lucky few to be chosen, he could not continue in the competition.
According to him, the timing of the show clashed with his final year examinations at the university. This made it impossible for him to travel and fully participate in the reality singing contest.
“Omawumi and I were the only ones picked at the Calabar Nigerian Idol auditions,” Iyanya said. “I couldn’t make it. I had my final year exam.”
Iyanya turning setback into success
Despite the disappointment, Iyanya’s music journey was far from over. He bounced back the following year and went on to win the first edition of Project Fame West Africa in 2008. That win catapulted him into the limelight and marked the beginning of his successful music career.
“I couldn’t do Nigerian Idol, but a year later, I won Project Fame,” he recounted with pride.
Full circle moment as judges
Now, over a decade later, Iyanya finds himself on the Nigerian Idol stage once again, but this time, not as a contestant. Instead, he sits behind the judging table, offering guidance and support to a new generation of aspiring artists.
What makes this experience even more special is that he is joined by Omawumi, his former fellow contestant from the 2007 Calabar auditions. The two now serve as co-judges on the ongoing season of Nigerian Idol, bringing their industry experience and personal journeys full circle.
“Today, we’re both judges on Nigerian Idol,” Iyanya said, smiling. “It’s amazing how life works.”
A story of determination and growth
Iyanya’s story is a powerful reminder that setbacks can often lead to bigger opportunities. Missing out on Nigerian Idol could have been a discouraging moment, but he chose to stay focused and continued working on his dream. Within a year, his perseverance paid off when he emerged as the winner of Project Fame West Africa.
That win laid the foundation for a successful career in the music industry, with hit songs, albums, and international recognition to his name.
Inspiration for upcoming talents
Now, as a judge on Nigerian Idol, Iyanya is in a position to inspire and mentor young artists who, like him, are chasing their dreams. His experience of both missed chances and major wins serves as a valuable lesson for the contestants.
From being a hopeful singer at auditions to becoming a household name and now a respected judge, Iyanya’s journey has come full circle. His message to rising stars is clear: every setback is an opportunity in disguise.
As he and Omawumi now sit on the panel where they once hoped to be contestants, their shared experience stands as a powerful symbol of growth, determination, and success against the odds.
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