Idols West Africa Top 10 Contestants Impress With Spectacular Performances

The first IDOLS WEST AFRICA Spectacular Show exploded onto DStv screens on Sunday night (April 1) when M-Net screened an hour of hot music, high fashion and more!

With performance after performance bringing the audience at Planet One, the Home of Idols, to their feet applauding, the TOP TEN contestants proved just how talented they are.

On a night in which contestants drew their song choices from African-American legends, there was just no stopping their talent from shining out.

From Temitayo?s scene-setting performance of Tina Turner?s epic River Deep, Mountain High, it was clear that the TOP 10 stage of West Africa?s first IDOLS series is going to be fantastic!

After Temitayo, Mercy captured the emotion of Whitney Houston?s I Have Nothing before Liberia?s Jerrilyn, sitting elegantly on the stage, sang the Toni Braxton ballad Unbreak My Heart. Pitching her voice perfectly on the Vanessa Williams track Save the Best for Last, Joan made sweet music whilst Omodele took on the Luther Vandross hit Here And Now.

Moving down the stage with the confidence and presence of a veteran performer Uche proved why he was a judge?s TOP 10 choice when he belted out John Legend?s Used to Love You to screaming fans. Then Luther Vandross was the choice again as Timi gave a classy vocal performance of the heartbreaking Dance with My Father.

Standing centre stage, Jodie mesmerized fans with her smooth power-house rendition of the Aretha Franklin mega-hit Natural Women while Eric went back in time and into the hearts of his fans with his soulful take on the classic Boyz to Men ballad End of the Road. Ending the show on a high, Omawumi brought the house down with the Whitney Houston party pop anthem Dance with SomeBody!

Meanwhile it wasn?t just the contestant?s voices that commanded the stage this week, it was also their incredible fashion.

From Mercy?s knee-skimming red dress and Jerrilyn?s pretty pink winner, it was fashion fun on stage. Jodie?s classic black number with striking red belt detail, Joan?s icy blue ensemble, Temitayo?s tassled skirt/top combination, Omawumi?s silver disco diva dress and Omodele?s pale peach ensemble rounded off the wardrobe of the female contestants. But the guys weren?t to be outdone. Eric?s wine colored shirt and jazzy pants, Uche?s ?jeans, blazer, belt? look and Timi?s striking suit, proved the guys know their style strengths!

With judges Dede Mabiaku, Abrewa Nana and Dan Foster quite impressed by the evening?s performances, the voting lines opened and the public got a chance to make their voices heard by voting for their favourite performers, the ones they wanted to see stay in the competition!

On Monday night (April 2), the results were in and, with the lowest amount of fan votes gained, Omodele was out of the competition and heading home.

The announcement by series presenter Mike Majic brought an end to Omodele?s IDOLS experience and brought tears to the eyes of her fellow competitors as they bid her a fond farewell. Now it?s on to the second IDOLS WEST AFRICA SPECTACULAR which will screen to DStv viewers on M-Net and AfricaMagic on Sunday April 8.

Remember that after the show on Sunday, you can vote to keep your favourite contestant in the show. Simply SMS the name of your favourite contestant to the vote line (insert country details). Alternatively you can cast your vote online at www.mnetafrica.com. Voting starts on Sunday April 8 at 21:00 CAT and closes on Monday April 9 at 13:00 CAT.

Remember that voting audiences stand a chance of winning a massive USD 10 000 at the end of IDOLS WEST AFRICA in May?so keep voting! IDOLS WEST AFRICA is screened every Sunday and Monday on DStv channels M-NET and/or AfricaMagic.