Victory Gbakara, a talented Nigerian singer, has emerged winner of Nigerian Idol Season Eight.
The victory was announced during a live show on Sunday, July 16, capping off the season with a captivating performance of Wizkid’s hit, “Blessed.”
The competition, which began on Sunday, April 23, 2023, saw Gbakara and Precious Mac as the top two finalists, who battled fiercely for the coveted 100 million naira grand prize.
Victory Gbakara, a lawyer and gifted gospel singer, shared that his personal drive and the support of those around him inspired him to participate in Nigerian Idol.
According to him, a great artist possesses not only skill and confidence but also the ability to showcase and sell their talents effectively.
Throughout the season, Gbakara impressed the judges, fellow contestants, and the audience with his exceptional performances.
Songs like Alicia Keys’ “Falling” and James Brown’s “This Is A Man’s World” earned him well-deserved applause, establishing him as a strong contender.
He further solidified his position with outstanding renditions of Harry Styles’ “As It Was” and Nicole C Mullen’s “Redeemer.”
Precious Mac, the other finalist, hails from a family of singers, with her siblings Faith Mac and Naomi Mac having previously participated in different editions of Nigerian Idol.
She showcased her singing prowess with remarkable performances of Ayra Star and Crayon’s “Overloading” and Shania Twain’s “From This Moment.”
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Notably, her rendition of Rihanna’s “Diamonds” and Adele’s “Rolling in The Deep” during the ‘How It Should Have Been Done’ round left the judges highly impressed.
The winner was determined by viewer votes, while the panel of judges, including afrobeat legend D’banj, singer Simi, and creative industries entrepreneur Obi Asika, provided valuable feedback throughout the competition.
The show was hosted by the talented IK Osakioduwa.
Victory Gbakara, with his onstage charisma and impressive range, charmed both the judges and the audience alike.
The 24-year-old law graduate from Benson Idahosa University, hailing from Delta State, showcased remarkable growth in his singing journey, even though he was initially reluctant, being nudged into singing by his parents.
Ultimately, his persistence and dedication paid off, and he was crowned the deserving winner, garnering a significant portion of the 33 million total fan votes.
As the victor, Gbakara not only received a cash prize of 35 million naira but also a brand new SUV and a weekend getaway to Cape Town, South Africa, along with other gifts from Bigi and DStv.
With his debut single, “Sound,” released during his journey in the competition, the talented singer aims to make a significant impact in the gospel music scene, much like previous Nigerian Idol winners such as Mercy Chinwo.
The future looks promising for Victory Gbakara as he embarks on a successful musical career.
