Kellyrae defeated a total of 27 competitors, including his wife Kassia, to be crowned the “Big Brother Naija” (“BBNaija”) season 9 winner.
The 33-year-old professional singer, whose real name is Kingsley Sule, seized the coveted title during the nail-biting finale on Sunday evening, which brought a climactic end to 10 weeks in Biggie’s house.
Beating finalists Wanni, Sooj, Anita, Ozee, Nelly, Victoria and Onyeka, Kellyrae walked away with a cash and car prize worth around N100-million (about R1 million).
His “Big Brother” journey started as one-half of DoubleKay alongside his then-secret wife, Kassia.
Before being announced as the last man standing in a two-hour finale, an emotional Kellyrae told host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, who hosted the reality show for the eighth consecutive time, and the live studio audience that he was “very” surprised to make it to the top two.
“You told us that no couple actually makes it far, so I’m happy that my wife and I have broken one record. Secondly, there are other records to be broken… Having to say that your wife is your friend was the biggest lie I told in my life,” he said.
The BBNaija season 9 runner-up, Wanni, also admitted during the finale that she hadn’t expected to make it to the top two.
“I’m still grateful. I’ve accomplished everything I came to do on this show. Wanni x Handi (her twin sister) are taking over the world. Let’s go. It’s money, baby.”
Meanwhile, to add to the finale’s excitement, Toke Makinwa, who hosted “Big Brother Naija” this season on Showmax's “The Buzz”, joined Ebuka from a fan park, where the energy was as spirited as it was in the studio.
Former housemates from season 9 as well as seasons past also made an appearance, while there were also live performances from Joeboy and Qing Madi.
The emotional finale also opened with poignant tributes from Big Brother to the top 8 house mates which included: “In the face of many obstacles, you didn’t lose your determination or ambition. Finalists, you no loose guard.”
“BBNaija” kicked off on July 28, with 28 housemates – as 14 pairs – and halfway through the season, the pairs were unceremoniously split in a shocking twist. Some pairs didn’t recover from the disbanding, while others’ halves made it all the way to the end.
The eight finalists were eliminated one by one during the finale, with Sooj being the first to go.
He said: “I’m thankful for the journey. I feel like a winner. I feel like a champion.”
Next to leave was Anita, who had made up one half of the last remaining pair, Nelita.
“Even though coming in here I wanted to win the prize, at some point I wondered if I would be here till week four. Well, I’m here to this day, I feel that’s an achievement,” she told Ebuka.
Ozee also expressed his gratitude: “It’s not about the final prize, it’s about the experience… Look out for me, this is just the beginning.”
Next out was Nelita’s Nelly, who had auditioned nine times before finally making it into “BBNaija”.
When asked what was next, she said: “Everyone knows I’m all about my brand. You guys should expect something big.”
Meanwhile, after narrowly missing out on the top three, Victoria said: “I did not expect to get this far, so being part of the finalists is a very big deal to me.”
The final evictee was Onyeka, who declared when asked how authentic she had been on the show: “Biggest O is over the top all the way, so on the show if she’s over the top she’s just being Biggest O!”
In addition, Big Brother’s closing words to the finalists last night were: “Beyond Big Brother’s house is a country yearning for your arrival, a world eager to receive you, a sky awaiting its stars.”
“Big Brother will watch as you continue to attain new heights, continue to thrive and continue to shine. Go out there and be the sun, blazing in your glory.”