That two of the best performance in the Top 9 of Glo-sponsored X Factor almost exited the competition this early emphasizes the need for followers of the biggest reality singing TV show to ensure that they take part in the voting process, the show judges have said.

Vicky is seen by the three judges, Onyeka Onwenu, Reggie Rockstone and MI, as having the best voice among the remaining contestants. On the other hand, SmoothBoiz have continued to earn the judges’ plaudits for their beautiful renditions and synergy and have been tipped to go far in the challenge for Globacom’s N24 million and Sony Music’s recording contract. The performances of the two acts have also attracted standing ovations from the crowd at each show.

This notwithstanding, when the results of the first voting process were revealed at the first eviction show on Friday night, Vicky and SmoothBoiz made the bottom two. It took the intervention of the judges to keep both of them in the show.

Speaking afterwards, the judges asked the public to vote for their preferred candidates. Onyeka noted, “People should not take it for granted that a good contestant will always get by. They should not leave anything to chance. They have to back up their support with votes. If a contestant is the best of the lot but is unable to garner votes, she will exit the competition. I am asking people to vote and keep voting.”

MI said the reaction of the audience when the result was announced showed they did not want Vicky and SmoothBoiz to go. “So, how come this did not reflect in the voting pattern? The explanation is that people are not voting enough for their favourite singers. You have to vote for the act you want to remain in the competition,” MI advised.

Glo is offering the public a chance to win fantastic prizes by voting for the contestants. The prizes include Glo Bolt internet modems, Samsung Galaxy tabs, Blackberry phones and Glo recharge cards.

Each week, the voting lines will open at 8.00 p.m. on Saturday and close at 8.00 p.m. on Monday. Members of the public can vote for their favourite contestant by sending the contestant’s voting number via SMS to “33680” from Nigeria and “1739” from Ghana.

Viewers can watch the X Factor eviction shows on the following television channels on Friday: AIT (7.30 p.m.), STV (8.30 p.m.), V Channel (7.00 p.m.), Sound City (8.30 p.m.) and AMC (7.00 p.m.) and on Saturday at 5.30 p.m. on NTA, NTA International and WAP TV, at 6.00 p.m. on ONTV and Real Stars and at 6.30 p.m. on TV Continental and Kennis Music.

The performance show is also be broadcast at 7.00 p.m. on Saturday on AIT and Soundcity and on STV, AMC and V Channel at 8.00 p.m. The show is also broadcast on Sundays on NTA and NTA International at 5.00 p.m., WAP TV at 6.00 p.m., ONTV and Real TV at 7.00 p.m. as well as on TVC at 8.30 p.m. and Kennis Music at 9.30 p.m.

CONTESTANTS’ VOTING NUMBERS

Eshum: “501”

Ankara Boi: “502”

Vicky: “503”

DJ Switch: “504”

Pheel: “505”

Princess Pat: “506”

DNA Twins: “507”

Symphony: “508”

SmoothBoiz: “509”