How Heartbreak Affected My Performances On Nigerian Idol- First Runner-up, Zadok Opens Up

Nigerian Idol Season 7 1st runner-up, Zadok Aghalengbe, spoke with TOFARATI IGE of Punch newspaper about his career and plans to maximise the platform he currently has. He also revealed that he suffered a major heartbreak just before the Nigerian Idol show which had a great impact on his performances.

Speaking about his participation in the show, Zadok said:

“Sometime last year (2021), I was watching the show and I kept telling myself that I had to go (participate). A lot of things happened to me prior to attending the audition. I had a major heartbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic also compounded issues. Afterwards, I had financial crisis. Meanwhile, some people had been urging me to go for the show. I actually put in my application a day to the deadline. Initially, I was not selected but later, I got another message that I should come for an audition.

Coming into the show, I was in my elements. Because of the heartbreak, I was so focused. I was not seeing anything else than the goal (of doing well in the competition). When I attended the first audition, I did not speak to anybody. I was that focused. I just wanted to sing and get the ‘golden ticket’ (to move to the next round).

As a matter of fact, I am looking for a lot of heartbreaks so that they can push me. It has actually helped my writing. I have written a lot of songs inspired by the heartbreak.”

On the contestants he connected with the most on the show, Zadok mentioned Banty, Debby & Progress.

His words:

“I connected well with everybody, but mostly with Banty, Debby and Progress. I will like to work with David Oprah, Banty, Faith and Progress. For those already in the industry, I want to work with Asa, Tekno, Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy.”

Zadok also spoke about his ambition to win the Grammys.

“After my first audition and I got the golden ticket, the show’s host, IK Osakioduwa, asked me what’s next and I said, ‘Up next to the Grammies’. It must have sounded  funny because the Nigerian Idol had not even started ‘properly’, yet I was already talking about the Grammys, which has always been my dream. That is my goal and I am aiming towards that direction.”- he said.

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