by Rachel Ogbu

New judge, Femi Kuti expressed excitement to be on the Nigerian Idol panel this year.  Kuti who attended the première of the first episode of show’s third season spoke on how he felt about joining the show.

“I am genuinely excited to be part such an amazing show. Nigerians have a deep and abiding love for music, and there is so much talent out there; I can’t help but be enthusiastic that we get to introduce them to the country,” he said.

It was a night filled with entertainment on Tuesday, December 11, 2012. Invited guests attended the première at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos with the judges, past competitors and some other entertainers.

The night started off with performances from past competitors; Steven Onoche, the second runner-up from season two, was first on stage and sang beautifully. Next was Joe Blue, the first runner-up from the same season.

The judges also entertained with a spectacular soulful performance from Yinka Davies and a saxophone act from three-time Grammy Award nominee, Kuti.

The third season will be aired on Sunday, December 16, 2012. “I know that Nigerians are going to be excited about this season,” said the project manager, Tiwa Medubi. “This Sunday is definitely going to showcase the amazing range of raw talent, and bring you voices like you’ve never heard before and I can also guarantee it is going to be lots of fun.”

Showing on weekend prime time television, catch Nigerian Idol on NTA Network at 4.00pm on Sundays, Sound city and ONTV : at 7pm on Sundays and Saturdays , STV at  8.00pm on Sundays and 6pm on Saturdays and TVC at  9.00pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

The grand prize for this season is worth $100,000 which includes: N 7.5million cash prize, a recording contract worth N7.5 million, and an SUV.

The top ten finalists will also get prizes worth a total of N10 million.