Iyanya joins Nigerian Idol judges for season 10
By Tosin Brown
Nigerian Idol will return for its 10th season on April 20, 2025, with singer Iyanya joining the panel of judges.
It was confirmed that Ric Hassani and Omawumi will return as judges, while Iyanya, who rose to fame after winning Project Fame in 2008, will make his debut on the panel.
MultiChoice Nigeria, the producer of the talent show, made the announcement today, March 20, 2025, at a press briefing.
According to Dr. Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and West Africa Channels at MultiChoice, this milestone season will bring something unique.
“Nigerian Idol Season 10 is a decade with a difference. Every season is different, but what remains constant are the judges and the process. We are celebrating 10 years—five years of our production and a decade of the franchise in Nigeria.
“Our goal is to make an impact and thoroughly entertain fans and viewers alike. I can also hint that the production team has some surprises for this edition. Additionally, we will be telling the story of Nigerian Idol from its inception once the channel opens,” Tejumola stated.
She also revealed that the season will culminate in a grand finale on Sunday, July 13, 2025, and that IK Osakioduwa will return as host for the fifth time.
Addressing the decision to discontinue open-call auditions, Tejumola explained, “We stopped open-call auditions because they limit participation due to location and other factors. The first phase will now be online, after which selected contestants will be invited for physical screenings and auditions. This approach broadens access for talented individuals, allowing them to submit their auditions from the comfort of their homes.”
