Afrobeats star Iyanya disclosed he was selected for Nigerian Idol’s first season from Calabar auditions alongside Omawumi but missed out due to final year exams, before winning Project Fame West Africa a year late

Afrobeats sensation Iyanya has publicly revealed a surprising detail from his early career: he was selected for the inaugural season of Nigerian Idol after participating in an audition held in Calabar, Cross River State.

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The singer explained that he and Omawumi, who would go on to achieve significant fame as the first runner up in that maiden edition in 2007, were the only two contestants chosen from the Calabar audition.

Iyanya Nigerian Idol auditionstory, however, took an unexpected turn.

He clarified that he ultimately could not participate in the finals of the reality show due to a crucial scheduling conflict  it coincided directly with his final year examinations at university.

This meant missing an early opportunity on the platform that would later feature his contemporary.

Despite this missed chance, fate had other plans for Iyanya.

He shared that just a year later, he went on to win the first edition of Project Fame West Africa, a victory that significantly propelled his career.

Iyanya recounted these details in a recent interview with Hip TV, while visibly relishing his current role as a co judge on the ongoing season of Nigerian Idol, sharing the panel with none other than Omawumi.

This full circle moment highlights a unique bond and parallel journey for the two artists.

“Omawumi and I were the only ones picked at the Calabar Nigerian Idol auditions. I couldn’t make it. I had my final year exam. A year later, I won Project Fame.

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Today, we’re both judges on Nigerian Idol,” Iyanya stated, reflecting on his remarkable trajectory in the Nigerian music industry.