Nigeria Idol Season II: Joe Blue contest Mercinda Chinwo's victory " I was better than Mercy

Mercy and Joe Blue

By JACKSON IWUANORUE

cjscott2k3@yahoo.co.uk
Last weekend marked the climax and the unveiling of the next Nigerian Music Idol as 21 years old Mercy Chinwo emerged winner. Mercy Chinwo, the talented, diminutive young contestant from Rumudara Port-Harcourt, Rivers State outwitted over ten thousand music talents across the country to earn the grand prize to Nigeria’s best music reality show. After over 5 months of tough drillings, star performances, surprise evictions and gruelling rehearsals, she defeated Joe Anthony Epo popularly known as Joe Blue to the crowned.
The auditorium of the Dream Studios in Omole Phase I, Ikeja Lagos was filled to capacity with an enthusiastic crowd who came to support their favourite contestants. The top 12 contestants whom were all present had the privilege of receiving take  home gifts including Blackberry phones, Samsung Galaxy Tabs from Etisalat, Flat screen (32 inch) Plasma TV from Sony and also a Mini sized customized fridge from Pepsi.
Opening the show, the top 12 contestants set the mood with a joint rendition of the Nigerian national anthem as well as a unity song  titled Tonight is a good night by BlackEyedPeas. This was followed by another joint performance of Bobby Benson’s song “Taxi driver”.
This set the stage for Mercy Chinwo to perform a song by late Fela Kuti entitled Zombie while Joe blue followed suit with a creative stage act by Infinity Olori Oko. However, the two last performances were not subject to voting which had already closed.

Joe don't be angry with mercy be happy

Another attraction at the grand finale saw talented comedian, MC Elenu officially kicking off the event with a rib-cracking session and ended by welcoming the judges, Yinka Davies, Jeffrey Daniels and The Area father Charleyboy.
In his valedictory speech, the producer and chief host of the event, C.E.O Optima Media Group Mr. Rotimi Pedro described the show as Nigeria’s best, long-serving and most entertaining music reality. He added, “I want to use this opportunity to appreciate Nigerians for their ardent followership, immense supports and most especially the countless votes they gave to the contestants of their choice. Also, I congratulate the judges for their unbiased judgments and tutoring in ensuring that the best contestant emerge the winner. I congratulate the last two contestants Mercy Chinwo and Joe Blue for their consistency and vocal dexterity that brought them to the last stage of the show’’. He finally encouraged everyone to give a standing ovation to all the sponsors of the Nigerian Idols Season Two Reality Show which had its lead sponsors as Etisalat as well as associate sponsors like Pepsi, Sony and KFC.
The winner of the night Mercy Chinwo received the cheque of N7.5million from Mr. Steven Evans, CEO, Etisalat and Mr. Hakeem Bello Osagie. Her grand prize also came with a brand new Toyota SUV.
“First and foremost, I give God almighty all the glory, I appreciate the organizers of Nigerian Idol Season Two Music Reality Show for the great opportunity given to me. I also thank my mum, brother, aunties whom are present at this great occasion for their supports and prayers that brought me this far, I wish my Father was alive to witness this day. Thank you Nigeria.”
The grand finale which was co-hosted by Ill Rymz and Tiwa Savage ended the fulfilled night with performances from artistes like R&B singer Chuddy K, W4, MI Abaga, Wizkid and ex-Nigerian Idol winner, Yeka Onka.

Mercinda Chinwo's family

Mercy Chinwo’s mum in an interview with her was speaking in Ikwere native dialect, she was so busy dancing, and celebrating her daughters victory.  The son David said that interpreted her mothers response by saying that what she mearnt is that "she is only saying thank you God for the blessing on the family".