A NIGHT TO REMEMBER AS ERIC WINS IDOLS!

For over three unforgettable months, Zimbabwe's Eric Moyo and Ugandan Nicollette Kiige have sung their way into the hearts and minds of IDOLS fans across the continent, with the talented duo making it all the way to the IDOLS Finale! On Sunday July 27, after a week of public voting and a rollercoaster 90-minute Spectacular show screened on M-Net, DStv audiences watched as an emotional Eric was named the continent's newest IDOL!
The much-anticipated IDOLS Finale kicked off with a dazzling opening sequence, with the Top 8 performing an energetic, high-octane rendition of Pink's “Get The Party Started” to the delight of guests at The Bomas venue in Nairobi.
Then, it was a case of ladies first, as Nicolette stepped up to perform Eva Cassidy's “Songbird”, her own choice of song and one of her favourite previous performances during the course of her IDOLS journey. She returned later with the haunting ballad “My Immortal” by Evanescence – the song choice of series judges Angela Angwenyi, TK Siyandi and Scar. Looking gorgeous and glamorous, Nicolette drew praise from the judges for her performances and her overall vocal ability in front of an audience that included her proud parents.
Eric alternated with Nicolette, singing his favourite first - Michael Bolton's classic “When A Man Loves A Woman”, which proved a definite crowd pleaser with the audience at The Bomas roaring their approval as he emotionally paid tribute to his parents. He later returned to stage with the judges' song choice for him - Ringo's “Sondela” which earned him a standing ovation from Judge Angela Angwenyi.
The Top 2 each ended their trio of performances with the songs written exclusively for them - “Goodbye Baby” for Nicollette and “This Is My Everything” for Eric. Proving once again their talent as solo artists and their ability to command a stage, they were also commended on their performances by series mentor Kawesa Richard who wished them both well.
Meanwhile with their final performance on IDOLS, Top 10 finalists Mkhululi, Ammara, Adiona and Trinah won loud applause when they returned to the stage to sing for the very last time, belting out an outstanding version of the Queen pop anthem: “Somebody To Love”. Then in true IDOLS style, the show had one more surprise for viewers as IDOLS West Africa finalists Eric and Omawumi took to the stage with a duet before Omawumi delivered her own “Into The Music” single to a cheering audience.
Returning to the stage for a final time before the winner was announced, Eric and Nicolette paired up to thrill the audience with a duet of Whitney Houston's blockbuster ballad “You Light Up My Life”.
But it was all leading up to the big moment and Africa was made to wait breathlessly for the announcement – before host Lebo Mzimbi eventually opened the envelope and revealed the result! As he announced Eric's name, the packed house at The Bomas rose as one to salute the 26-year-old Zimbabwean as the continent's newest IDOL.
Fighting back tears for a second time, Eric celebrated his victory with another rendition of the Winner's song - “This Is My Everything.” Once he was done, he couldn't hold back any longer, crying openly as he hugged Nicollette and accepted the congratulations of the rest of the Top 10 as they emerged from the wings to greet him.

With his career now on the fast-track, Eric will soon begin work on recording his single and his new album. Apart from his recording contract through SonyBMG, Eric's other prizes include US$80 000 in cash from M-Net and US$25 000 in guaranteed CD sales from Celtel to ensure the newest IDOL's career is launched with a bang! The Top 10 are also now proud owners of big-screen TV's, high-end phones, DVD players and US$5000 Cash each, courtesy of series headline sponsor Celtel.