By Bolarinwa Akande
Evelle, real name Evelyn Zibili, has been crowned Nigerian Idol for 2014, having defeated closest contender, Sarah Odugbemi, alias Eye-D, during a tension-filled competition at the Dreams Studios, last Saturday.
Journey towards the grand finale had seen both contestants singing their hearts out penultimate weekend. But the tiara was adjudge to fit Evelle, who only last week was short of hope, as Eye-D got more votes from the public.
“I went to my closet when I was praying and said to God, I don’t know how this is going to happen, I am going to give it my best shot and I want you to help me, in such a way that even those who have been voting for my opponent will vote for me this time. That was my prayer, and I am sure that was what happened,” she said excitedly, after the competition.
That way, Evelle became N7.5 million richer, while she also went home with a Hyundai SUV, an Android tablet phone, an ipod, and a recording deal with Universal Music Group, being the coveted prize for the competition.
Eye-D too, got a Hyundai i10 car for coming second place, including a money prize of N1.5 million, an Android tablet, a phone, and an ipod.
Elvis Jay, who had been evicted last week, returned to the stage to collect his prize of N1million, an android tablet, a phone, and an ipod, for coming third place. Other contestants from 4th to 10th place also received a cash prize of N100, 000, a Galaxy Tab, a Blackberry and an iPod each.
Evelle, who received her dummy cheque and car key from the Director, Consumer Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Oluwole Rawa, dedicated the award to her mother, who is currently being hospitalized, following an accident that occurred last week, while she was travelling to Lagos, to witness her (Evelle) performance. “I am dedicating my victory to my mum. I know this will make her feel much better than she is feeling right now,” she said.
If Eye-D was devastated by the loss, she did not show it. With smiles, she promised to pursue her music career to the fullest, as she continues with her farming profession.
“After today, I am going to take one week of sleep. I have so many songs that are written. I will start releasing them one at a time; and I know my efforts will be crowned, by the grace of God,”