On March 27, 2011, 26-year-old Onyekachi Elizabeth Gilbert Onwuka aka "yeka onka" from Ohafia was announced the first Nigerian Idol ever over fellow competitor Naomi Ebiama.
Onyekachi was awarded the sum of 7.5 Million Naira, a recording contract with Sony, a car and an all-expense-paid trip to South Africa.
[7][8][9][10][11][12] After winning Nigerian Idol in 2014, Evelle released 'Waiting,[13]' featuring DJ Xclusive and Masterkraft, marking her official entry into Nigeria's music industry.
[14] There have been nine following Nigerian Idol winners to date: Onyekachi Elizabeth Gilbert, Mercy Chinwo,[15] Moses Obi Adigwe, Evelle, K-Peace, Kingdom Kroseide, Progress, Victory Gbakara and Chima Udoye.
[23][24] The show was hosted by Misi and Anis Holloway and the panel of judges consists of producer and record label owner Audu Maikori, former Shalamar singer/dancer Jeffrey Daniel, and singer Yinka Davies.
The contestants were Chinedu, Najita, Nikki, Lynda, Ibinabo, Honey, Diwari, A.Y.O, Mercy, Steven Onochie, Anthony Ekpo and Sly 1 (Sylvester Kingston).
After a five-year hiatus, Nigerian Idol was picked up by Multichoice[27] and sponsored by Tecno Mobile[28] and Bigi Drinks[29] and began airing in 2021.
Kroseide was given a prize money of 30 million Naira, A brand new SUV, All expense paid trips to Dubai and Seychelles, a recording contract, a one-year supply of Bigi Drinks and much more.