Nigerian Idol Goes on TV

After 2months of touring the country, Nigerian Idol is set to light up TV screens across the Africa. Get your seat belt fastened to witness exceptional performances, unbelievable contestants,  hilarious skits, dramatic responses and more.

From the 4th of December, you can catch Nigerian Idol:
On NTA Network, Saturdays 1.30pm to 2.30pm and Sundays from 4.00 to 5.00pm.
On the AIT Network, Nigerian Idol comes on 6.00 to 7.00pm Saturdays and Sundays
On Silverbird television Nigerian Idol airs on Saturdays 1–2pm and Sundays 4.30 – 5.30pm
On Galaxy television Lagos it airs on Fridays 7.10-8pm, and Sun. 2.30pm-4pm
Superscreen Television will air the show from 5.00 to 6.00pm, Mondays and Saturdays
On DBN Lagos, Nigerian Idol comes up on Fridays from 8.30 to 10.00pm and on Sundays from 5.30 to 7.00pm. On HiTV Nigerian Idol comes on Saturdays and Sundays 8.00 to 9.30 pm


This season is bigger and better with a prize tag of 100,000 USD and SUV for the winner, up to 30,000 USD for runner ups and even the top ten finalists get several prizes.

With Jeffrey Daniel back from his base in Japan and recently from the Shalamar reunion in the UK to judge the show, Sultry Yinka Davies still holding the throne and Sensational Music Legend, Charly boy joining the line up, viewers are in for a formula 1 ride as Ill Rymz and the sexy Kele Kele Queen; Tiwa Savage bring the show every week.

So, get ready for an amazing television experience, get texting to vote for your favorite contestants and to get a priced ticket to attend the live shows, get on twitter and follow us for updates on handle @nigerianidol, get on facebook and keep updated with behind the scenes and performance videos or just get on www.nigerianidol.com and feel like you missed nothing!

Nigerian Idols is brought to you by Etisalat in association with Sony and Pepsi with support from Air Nigeria, The Beat FM, Classic FM and Naija FM

NICKI MINAJ SPEAKS ON GRAMMY NOMINATIONS, SOPHOMORE ALBUM

The Young Money rapstress explains what it means to get a nod from the Recording Academy.

Nicki Minaj was recently honored with a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist for the 2012 ceremony, set to take place in February. During an interview with the Associated Press, the Young Money rapstress spoke on receiving the nod and what it means for her fans to be recognized for her hard work.

"I don’t ever expect to win those type of things but it’s good to be recognized and it’s good for girls to see that you could do whatever type of music you want to do and you can be recognized on a big scale," she said. "It feels crazy, like, who would have thought that? I was just chillin’ out in Southside Jamaica, Queens rapping, New York City. Never. I never would have imagined that, but it’s a blessing and I always say hard work pays off. Don’t be lazy. I’m racist against lazy people. I wish they did not exist in this world."

She also touched on her sophomore album Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, scheduled to hit stores on February 14, 2012. Unlike her debut Pink Friday, Nicki says she feels more comfortable not trying to force herself to cater to any one person.

"My ability to trust my first instinct... With recording my sophomore album, things are happening so much easier now because I was over-thinking on the first album. I was giving people what I thought they needed and what I needed my reputation to be. And now, it’s like I don’t care what you think. I’m going to do what I do for my core fans. If you like it, then you like it. And if you don’t, bye."

DRAKE DENIES RUMORS THT HE's LEAVING YOUNG MONEY

Drizzy says that he's still with the team, contrary to rumors circulating this week.

Rumors started flying earlier this week that with his departure from one of his management teams, Drake was also considering leaving Young Money. During a performance in Hartford, Connecticut, Drizzy denied the rumors, confirming that he’s still with the squad.

“I’ll tell you if you wake up in the morning and you think Young Money ain’t my team, you out of your motherfucking mind,” he said. “My brother Lil Wayne is all the way in Australia right now, but I got my camera on in the back and I just want to let him know how much me and Hartford got for him. So if you got love for Lil Wayne, make some noise!”

50 CENT REVEALS COVER ART, RELEASE DATE FOR "THE BIG 10" MIXTAPE

UPDATE: Fif also says he plans to release a video for every cut on the offering.

50 Cent has announced the release of a 10 track collection of tracks, slated to be released next week.

Fif took to Twitter to reveal the project, which will be released in honor of the 10 year anniversary of his first mixtape 50 Cent is the Future. He also said that he will be shooting a video for every track included on the collection.

The G-Unit leader last said that his oft-delayed fifth album would release in December, though the LP is currently without a release date.

"ANYONE WHO HAS MOBILE PHONES, BLACKBERRIES OR EMAIL ACCOUNTS WILL BE SPIED UPON", JULIAN ASSANGE

Wikileaks website, Julian Assange,made news again today when he issued a statement concerning global espionage. Anyone who has mobile phones, blackberries or email accounts will be spied upon", Assange said.

"Today we released over 287 files documenting the reality of the international mass surveillance industry, an industry which now sells equipment to dictators and democracies alike in order to watch entire populations," the 40-year-old journalist told reporters in London on Thursday.

Companies specialising in surveillance equipment, in many cases to repressive regimes, have flourished as “mass interceptions of entire populations” has gone largely unchecked. (see: http://news.techeye.net/security/wikileaks-cables-shows-the-world-its-being-watched-always#ixzz1fPmiNFc2).
According to Assange it is a conspiracy at the highest levels. It concerns 'control' not only of individuals but the entire world.

Wikileaks, has been the target of the US government and the Pentagon for a long time now. Due to the release of about 25,000 secret U.S. diplomatic cables from the State Department in November 2010. We know that Wikileaks is targeted by the U.S. like no other (see: http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/us-targets-wikileaks-like-no-other-organisation-20111202-1obeo.html). Where will it all end? Will it end?

Is he delusional? Perhaps not? It's hard to say. having spent time reading the cables, its a miracle he is not dead!

“Privacy International has been investigating this lucrative and highly dangerous trade for over a year, and we are deeply concerned by what we have uncovered,” a spokesperson told TechEye.

I talked with Tim Little, a local security hack here in Charlotte, N.C. about all this. I asked him specifically what we can do to guard our privacy. He said this: "You have no expectation of privacy online or on your phone. If you use either make sure you speak in generalities and never say anything that you would feel uncomfortable about with splashed across every newspaper in the country. Let your answer be simple, direct and to the point. . Don't give information away. Be above all be careful in all things you do and say. Remember even the walls have ears."

He left with another piece of advice, we should all listen to perhaps: "the best way to keep a secret is by never revealing it", he said.

"Secrets are by nature very mysterious things", said Pam Marshall of Charlotte. "I think Assange is right we are being watched and monitored. Its one reason why I don't own a computer or carry a mobile device", she said.

Robert Tilford

Charlotte, N.C.

EURO 2012 WITHOUT PROSTITUTION: FEMEN ACTIVISTS GO TOPLESS AGAINST UEFA

UEFA is trying to influence Ukrainian government to legalize prostitution, the spokesperson of women rights group Femen Inna Schevchenko said at the latest in a row of topless protests against “turning Ukraine into brothel” during the Euro 2012, which starts in June.

This time, five Femen activists went bare-breasted at Kiev's Olympic Stadium carrying banners which read “Euro 2012 without prostitution”. The protest lasted only enough for reporters to take photos and videos as the women, who adorned their underwear with miniature footballs and wore toilet paper around their shins, were very quickly dragged away from the spot by the police.

Femen repeatedly appealed to both UEFA and Ukrainian government to create a social program devoted to the problem of sex tourism and prostitution in Ukraine; to inform football fans that prostitution is illegal in Ukraine; and to develop visual decisions and slogan for the Euro 2012 final match to fight against prostitution and sex tourism. The group even crated their own Euro 2012 mascots, Blyadek and Blyadko, who simply "love sex, football and beer".

The contradictory women rights group has lately been spreading their activities all around Europe – they staged their topless protests in Rome, Paris and even the Vatican. Asked about their unusual attention drawing tactics, Femen spokesperson simply explains the feminism “no longer works”.

“It is, if you excuse me, impotent. But what we do brings the desired effect. That's why not only Ukraine needs us, but Europe as well. We are planning to take over the world,” Inna Schevchenko was quoted saying.

STAR ACTRESS OMOTOLA JALADE EKEINDE SHOWS SOME LOVE TO WIDOWS

Giving back to others is one of the easiest ways you can contribute to society.

Talented Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade Ekehinde, has revealed her plans to reward dynamic widows in Lagos.

The program is titled: A 20 Dynamic Widow Makeover.

According to the sultry actress, the programme is another opportunity to celebrate widows who for any reason are in distress.

Potential contestants are expected to send short and compelling story of their past experience, 5’7 pictures with a brief introduction of themselves.

They are expected to state their name and address, how many kids they have, when they lost their spouse, and what job they do.

They will be shortlisted to 20 widows and on 13 December, the winning widows will be celebrated at a glittering event to be held at the Pine Park, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

FLIP SIDE OF TONTO DIKEH

TONTO Dikeh sure knows how to stay on top of her game. In spite of her seemingly derogatory disposition as Nollywood’s controversial screen diva and s** symbol, it is indeed commendable that the actress is about to fete 100 most brilliant students from both private and public schools in Lagos.

On why the actress who recently delved into music is reaching out to these students, she says, “The act of rewarding brilliant students with scholarships and through other means which used to be very prevalent in those days seems to have gone into extinction. There are thousands of intelligent students who need to be shown lots of love, if not for anything but for their outstanding successes. The idea is to appreciate them in any little way I can and this Christmas period provides an excellent opportunity.”

For those who probably think that 's**' is all there is to this sultry actress, Tonto has decided to chart a new course for herself after the weeks of controversies over her recently-acquired tattoo that covers over 70 percent of her back.

Her reward project for the students is billed to hold on December 10 at the Troy Bar and Restaurants, Ogba, Lagos.

E.X.P.O.S.E.D: ANOTHER AWAITING BABYMAMA FOR 2FACE IDIBIA

Having kids with different women definitely affected me. But all in all, people will talk, others will criticize, while some will rejoice at their fellow man's misfortune because that's how human beings are. But I was really affected. Would I have been bigger is if it hadn't happened? That I don't know. Maybe all those things happened to prevent me from doing something worse. Polygamy was never part of my plan. Everybody has their plans and mine was never to be polygamous. But I would have done the same thing again, which is to accept the children. I love mychildren" .

These are the words of Innocent Ujah Idibia popularly known as 2face. Everyone thought he had finally learnt his lesson, albeit the hard way from his experiences with women but the reverse is the case.

The African Queen crooner is in the news again as we gathered he’s involved in a guarded romance with Queen Ure, the estranged wife of fellow musician, Emmanuel Okosie also known as Soul E.

Though it is not clear when it started- the guarded romance is said to have been on for a while.

Informants divulged that 2face infrequent visits to the Omole, Lagos abode of Ure is listed as one of the cover for the low profile romance.

According to a source 2face is just having casual fun, though the lady prefers something more serious.

Informants are of the opinion that the chances of 'something serious' coming to play in the shrouded romance is almost absolutely nil, except of course the irregular phenomenon of 'unexpected' factor in such affairs come into play and change the shape of things.

The allure of fame and means of trying to make head way in the entertainment industry, that resulted in her short lived marriage to Soul E are said to be some of the ingredients that sparked off the affair between 2face and Ure.

In a recent chat with a celebrity blog, Queen Ure, was quoted: " I have always been in love with Tuface; this, I can’t deny. I love him and I am crazy about him,”

Asked if she intended to have a baby for him, she replied: “I think that’s too early for now. But, the fact remains that I love him.”

“The notion that my affairs are motivated by a desire to be famous are very wrong perceptions. On the contrary, I think I’m quite the opposite.

“I would have long gotten into music myself, if I wanted fame because I’m good at it. I do not have any hidden agenda. My saying I love Tuface is because I do. That’s all there is to it. Who will choose to be controversial? I wouldn’t,” she added.

Tuface and Queen Ure

SONGSTRESS TIWA SAVAGE ACQUIRES 2011 VOLKSWAGEN EOS CONVERTIBLE

Songwriter and singer Tiwa Savage has really hit it big this time in the entertainment industry.

The ‘Kele Kele’ crooner has just acquired a brand new 2011 Volkswagen EOS convertible worth$40,000.

She has been seen painting the town red with her new car.

Congratulations Tiwa !

ACTRESS BISI IBIDAPO's DOUBLE CELEBRATION

At the moment, Yoruba actress Bisi Ibidapo's, known as Omo Logbalogba’s hands are very busy, as she is putting things together to make her birthday and house-warming party coming up on January 27th, 2012 at Magodo GRA, a success.

These are indeed good times for the actress. Not too long ago, she joined the likes of Tonto Dikeh, Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Ini Edo, Susan Peters, Empress Njamah, Uche Jombo & Halima Abubakar, as proud owners of Hummer SUV.

SOCCER STAR OSAZE ODEMWENGIE'S GIRLFRIEND,FREDA IN MULTIPLE-ROMANCE

Party gal, Freda Edewor Francis is in the news again. The sexy babe is latest subject of multiple romance.

Sometime back,we brought to your notice that the Lagos big girl is embroiled in romance with Nigeria International & West Bromwich player Osaze Odemwengie.And on how Osaze intends to walk down the aisle with this babe.

The latest gist about this party gal is that she’s presently embroiled in a hide and seek romance with two money makers- Don Jazzy (Michael Collins Ajereh), the head honcho of successful music label, Mo’ Hits and John Mighty, the owner of popular hotel in Lekki Ajah axis of Lagos, Hotel Belicimo.

The hide and seek ploy in the romantic liaisons is the ploy by Freda to shield knowledge of her boyfriends away from each other.

Informants claimed that Freda is certainly enjoying life with the gains of her attraction from these affection mates.

Insiders revealed that she recently changed her car, a BMW x6 to a Range Rover jeep for the simple reason that- she wanted something less complex to drive.

Outside of this, sources claimed for reasons of the need to live in a more upscale neighbourhood, Freda just moved from her Lekki Apartment to another in upgraded estate, 1004 in Victoria Island.

Insiders divulged she happily forfeited her outstanding rents when she perfected the move. Further findings revealed that Freda is looking forward to acquire a more befitting car in days to come.

She is said to be discreetly putting words around for any one interested in buying her car to get in touch. She has removed the special number plate 'Luv 007' to show her seriousness.

it is not clearly revealed whether Odemwingie is aware of his girlfriend’s escapades.

We shall keep you posted as events unfold.

ACTRESS SOLA ASEDEKO AND SECRET BODYGUARDS

Actress Sola Asedeko and her secret bodyguards

It is no news that our rising star and crossover actress known as Abeni is pregnant and looking forward to motherhood at the moment.

What is news is that snapshots has just gathered information from a reliable source that the actress, who is dating a top military brass, goes about now with escorts, who pretend to be just normal motorists, but are actually protecting our dear actress. What they are protecting her from is what we do not know.

Sola Asedeko became popular as the lead actress in the movie, Abeni, by Tunde Kelani's Mainframe Production, and has appeared in more than 30 home videos of Yoruba movie and English soap opera genre.

SAM LOCO EFE RESURRECTS IN NEW FLICK I'LL TAKE MY CHANCES

The death of one of the finest Nollywood talent that Nigeria has ever produced, Sam Loco Efe was a big blow to the play-acting profession. His death saw many opened up on how it would be difficult for the country to ever have a fine actor like the locomotive Sam, as he was fondly called by friends.

Uncle Sam, as he was also being referred to, died on Sunday August 7, this year and was buried on October 21, after spending over 70 years on earth.

According to confirmed information getting to NigeriaFilms.Com, Sam Loco will resurrect and his fans and lovers would have the chance to see their wonderful actor when he finally resurrects in Lagos. The date of his resurrection has been fixed to be on December 30, 2011.

As we learnt, Uncle Sam will resurrect in I’ll Take My Chances, a movie produced by the duo of Emem Isong and Ini Edo. The flick was directed by Desmond Elliot.

The movie is billed to premiere at the Silverbird Galleria, on Victoria Island, Lagos. It featured Ini Edo, Sam Loco Efe, Bryan Okwara (former Mr Nigeria), Biola Williams, and others actors. The film was written by the trio of Bola Aduwo, Uduak Oguamanam and Kehinde Joseph.

BEYONCE TALKS FAKE PREGNANCY RUMORS, CONCERT FILM

Beyonce chops it up with Katie Couric about the rumors surrounding her pregnancy, as well as her upcoming concert DVD.

Though Beyonce is pregnant, the singer/actress is taking no time off, keeping busy with editing "Live at Roseland: Elements of 4," her latest concert DVD.

"I learned how to edit for the last DVD...I make all my selects, I sit in the chair...I am an editor as well. I have great editors, thank God," she said in a 20/20 interview with Katie Couric.

"It is a lot of work. Especially when I'm trying to tell stories that are from so many moments of my life.

Beyonce also discussed how it felt revealing to the world that she was pregnant. "I felt so liberated. I felt like I could breathe and be happy. It was a beautiful feeling. I went straight off the stage and just cried, hugged my mom, hugged Jay."

While on the topic of pregnancy, Bey addressed rumors that it was a fake. "There are certain things that are so far, that it doesn't even upset you. My mother, she's like, 'Nobody's talking about my grandbaby! My grandbaby's not even here yet!' I'm like, 'Calm down, Mom. It's okay. It's really silly.'"

"I'm cool. It's ridiculous. It's so over-the-top."

LADY GAGA PREMIERES NEW TOPLESS VIDEO FOR MARRY THE NIGHT

Lady Gaga  goes topless and gets covered in Cheerios in her latest 13 minutes, 47 seconds video for her fifth single off of “Born this Way.” “Marry the Night” features Gaga as the director and actor in the story of her rise to fame.

The occasionally bizarre sequences show the star topless with her mouth overflowing with Cheerio cereal, playing the piano naked and dying her hair blue while sitting in a bath.

You can trust Lady Gaga to come up with something that is outrageous enough to scandalize people about a breakfast cereal. She has apparent agreed to try a new campaign with cheerios. In the series she pours cheerios over her topless and wet body in a move that is utterly provocative. Even the people that had decided to ignore the publicity seeking star will now have to admit defeat. She is simply too versatile for them with all her tricks and new methods for drawing the public in.

The music video that features the segment is as controversial as they come. It is designed in the mold that has turned the singer into a household sensation. Quite simply, there is nothing that Lady Gaga will not do for the love of her art.

Her entire life has been built around challenging stereotypes and assumptions. She is the anti-Pop celebrity who has made her career singing Euro dance classics. The video ends with her signing a deal with Interscope records.

MUHAMMAD ALI HOSPITALISED FOR 5 DAYS

Boxing legend and sporting icon Muhammad Ali recently spent some time resting in the hospital for five days.

The 69 year-old legend, according to reports from US online publication Radaronline.com was rushed to the hospital on Saturday, November 19, 2011.

Reports say Ali who was admitted to the Healthcare Osborn Medical Centre in Arizona. Paramedics and Arizona Police reportedly confirmed a 911 call was placed to the station indicating an elderly man was unconscious. Ali has been battling Parkinson’s disease for 30 years

‘The victim started to pass out in the car and when they got him into the house he fell unconscious’, a spokesperson for the Medical Centre said.

It’s unclear what Muhammad was treated for at the hospital or how much time he spent there. He’s recovered and spent Thanksgiving with his family in Las Vegas.

Interestingly, Ali’s hospitalization actually happened five days after he appeared at the funeral of former heavyweight champ Joe Frazier.

‘It’s a progressive disease and it’s something we both have to deal with. But he still gets out and he loves people. He has a lot of grandkids and he adores them’, his daughter and retired professional boxer Laila Ali told Star Magazine.

Till date, Ali is the first and only three-time Lineal World Heavyweight Champion.

KANYE WEST SPEAKS ON ALBUM OF THE YEAR NOMINATION SNUB FOR 2012 GRAMMYS

'Ye blames getting snubbed for "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" on dropping two albums during the qualifying period.

Jay-Z and Kanye West hit United Center in Chicago, Illinois last night for their second consecutive concert in the city. During the gig, ‘Ye took a moment to address his album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy getting overlooked for an Album of the Year nod at the 2012 Grammy Awards, as well as a Record of the Year nomination.

“Something I figured out earlier today - because you know, everybody came to me last night like, ‘Congratulations!’ because you know I’m leading the Grammy nominations this year. Like we always do it this time,” he said. “But, people focus, they say, ‘You ain’t got Album of the Year or Record of the Year.’ But I figured out, that’s my fault for dropping Watch the Throne and Dark Fantasy the same year. I should have just spaced it out a little bit more. But don’t worry, because me and Hov gon’ keep on making shit.”

Kanye led the Grammy nominees with a whopping seven nominations, while songstress Adele earned a close six.