The evening started with Edward from Freetown singing Careless Whispers by George Michaels, Brenda from Lagos-Alicia Keys' No One, Deborah from Ibadan did From This Moment by Shania Twain. Here is the list of who sang what of the other contestants:

Paul from Liberia - Have I Told You Lately by Rod Stewart,

Oyinkansade from Ibadan - Hero by Enrique Iglesias,

Kemi from Ilorin - I Look To You by Whitney Houston,

Joshua from Ghana - I Don't Want To Miss A Thing by Aero Smith,

Anthony from Lagos - Against All odds by Phill Collins,

Tega from Benin - How Do I Live By Leann Rimes,

Adetoun from Lagos - Life For Rent by Dido,

Daniel from Freetown - Hello by Lionel Richie,

Chinyere from Benin - One Night Only by Jennifer Hudson,

Roland from Ilorin - Here and Now by Luther Vandross,

Sonia from Lagos - Saving All My Love For You by Luther Vandross,

Didi from Port Harcourt - I Swear by All For One,

Grace from Lagos - The Voice Within by Christina Aguilera,

Musulyn from Liberia - Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion,

Christian from Abuja - When I Need Love by Leo Sawyer,

Gertrude from Abuja - Rolling In The Deep by Adele,

Ese from Benin - So High by John Legend,

Beulah from Port Harcourt - Hero by Mariah Carey,

Ayo from Lagos - Back At One by Brian McKnight,

Debby from Abuja - Irreplaceable by Beyonce,

Marvellous - Kiss From A Rose by Seal.

 

After the race, it was time for the judges to determine who stays and who leaves. With much tension in the air, and palpitating emotions, the contestants and their families waited patiently for the judges' verdict.

 

After much suspense, Deborah, Paul, Gertrude, Ese, Beulah, and Debby could not make it any further. They were encouraged to go home, get better and try again next season.

 

With eighteen contestants, the race is set to begin as the Opening Gala will determine the final 15 contestants that will make it to the academy.

 

The race has just begun...