Tongues are wagging over the eviction last night of the best two among the five remaining contestants in this year’s edition of Nigerian Idol.

Many fans of the reality show could hardly believe their eyes when Abasiakan Hanson and Jay-Feel (Joshus Enathimon), who usually get the loudest ovation from the audience, were evicted after yesterday’s performances.

Left to compete for the star prize of N7.5 million and SUV are Safeeyat (Safiya Ramat Idachaba), Debbie Olu-Rise and Moses Obi-Adigwe – none of whom could ordinarily match Abasiakan and Jay-Feel.

Disappointed fans who spoke with News Express expressed disbelief at the turn of events.

“I believe the show is rigged,” one of them said.

Asked how that could be, one of the respondents said it’s possible for some performers to buy hundreds of thousands of naira worth of recharge card and give to people to vote for them since it is voters who determine the fate of the contestants rather than in other reality shows where the judges have much powers to save contestants deemed to be good but lacking large fan base.

Sponsored by Etisalat, a mobile telecom company, this year’s Nigerian Idol has music stars such as Femi Kuti, Yinka Davies and African Jeffrey Daniel as judges.

•Photo shows Jay-Feel, one of the fans’ favourites evicted against expectations.