This programme contains
some strong language.
It's the final of Project Icon...
We're in
We're in the final!
Tonight, Jason Derulo decides
who is the UK's next big music star.
You've been dropped
from Project Icon.
..seven artists have been
sent home...
Hello.
..now three remain,
but in this competition,
a voice is not enough.
I'm looking
for a complete artist.
Our three finalists have shone
on social media...
Uh-oh!
Honey,
I'm not ready to give up.
..in the studio and on screen.
And that's a wrap!
This is the biggest test yet.
This is the final.
In the next 48 hours,
each will perform live
with one of the music industry's
biggest stars.
They've got to be ready for this.
One person's life will change
forever, winning a huge record deal
on Jason and Frank's label.
The winner of Project Icon is...
Woo!
The phenomenal three!
In the final!
This is the finals.
This is the big shebang.
The artist that wins Project Icon
will get to perform
at Radio 1's Big Weekend,
they'll sign a huge record deal
with yours truly,
they'll get to collab with me on
a commercial release of their song.
This is an opportunity
of a lifetime.
In a couple of days' time, one of
you is going to have a record deal.
A little bit.
I'm literally one step away
from being signed and releasing
a track with Jason Derulo.
It's just crazy.
Pumped?
Yeah, I'm really excited.
It's great to still be here,
you know.
Although I love playing covers
in the pub,
winning Project Icon would mean
that I get to start
playing festivals or even an arena,
which would just be insane.
I've
Oh.
Do you think that's going to affect
Well, apparently,
I can sing just fine.
OK.
No talking for Mia. Just save
Yeah.
Knowing that I'm one step
away from winning
and being signed with Jason
is all my dreams coming true
in a click of a finger.
Let's see what the final's
got in store.
Hey! Hello!
So, what's up?
So, it is finals!
You guys made it.
Oh, my God. This is the top three.
It is go time, baby!
One of you is about to get
some serious backing.
This is all exciting,
but we have some business
to take care of first.
And for this final, we're turning
the heat all the way up.
Your last challenge is going
to be the biggest one yet
cos it's stepping onstage
in front of a live audience
with your boy.
Oh! Whoa!
The opportunity to get a duet
with Jason Derulo,
like, when does that ever
come around in life? This is crazy.
Mia, you and I will sing a song
I did with Little Mix called
Secret Love Song.
Dylan, you and I will be doing
It Girl.
And, Nnenna, Want To Want Me.
We'll get to rehearse together,
but I won't walk onstage
unless we're fully prepared.
After your duet with Jason,
you will also be performing
one of your own tracks.
You'll be working with me and a top
producer in the studio to get
that track the best it can be.
Nice.
Get rehearsing, get creative
and put your all into this
cos it's showtime.
All three of these artists
are great in different ways.
This is where we find a winner
of Project Icon.
This is massive!
I've got sweat running down.
Have you?
You've not got long, so I think
we should go down and get cracking.
Shall we do it? Let's go.
In 48 hours, each artist will
perform to a huge live audience
on their own and duetting with
Jason.
First in to practise is Mia.
I'm very good.
How are you?
Good. I'm excited.
In the final, I want to duet
with these artists because
I'm going to be releasing
a song with this person.
I just can't put myself
on a stage unless I know
that we're fully prepared.
This is definitely a pinch-me moment
because I'm going to be performing
with bloody Jason Derulo.
It's just a bit crazy really,
but not to be biased, but I think
I have got the best song.
# When you hold me
in the street... #
Mia is more than just
a dance artist.
I think she can also do pop
and she can do pop ballads.
# I wish that it could be
like that... #
I chose Secret Love Song,
which is a huge pop ballad.
Have you sung this song before?
I have.
It's a good one to sing on
People love it.
Mm-hm.
# That's what I'm talking about,
man. #
Are you feeling happy, healthy?
Well, I do actually have
a really bad cold at the moment.
As a performer, having a cold,
it's a downer.
But the show must go on.
If you've got a cold,
you still have to perform.
You can't be like, "I'm cancelling
my show because I got the sniffles."
No, people paid a lot of money
to see you.
You have to put on a show
with that cold.
# We keep behind closed doors
# Every time I see you
I die a little more... #
I think your words
can be slightly shorter.
The verse would be separated
more if you just, like,
have it a little more punchy,
short.
# We keep behind closed doors... #
Yeah.
# Every time I see you
I die a little more... #
For sure.
I'm a perfectionist
through and through,
so when I step on stage,
everything has to be right.
Everything has to be
well thought out.
They've got to be ready
for this sh*t.
In the holding area,
the other two finalists,
Dylan and Nnenna,
are practising
their Jason duets.
Are you actually revising?
Well, I'm trying to get
my lyrics down.
He's a perfectionist as well,
Nice.
Pressure.
Have you thought
about the competition?
Yeah, I mean, top three.
You know, this is the final,
so one of us will be the winner.
So, it's, yeah, we know
it's still a competition.
I do think I'm going to win.
I feel like I have a good chance.
Dylan and Mia are great.
They're incredible at what they do,
but ain't none of them Nnenna King.
You're hitting the high note
Mm-hm.
Let's both be facing each other
so that we can, like,
explode out
for the last chorus.
So it sort of feels like
a moment.
Or, this is just suggestion...
Uh-huh.
Obviously, it's quite
a powerful note.
If I look away and then look back
at you, maybe,
just so then it's also not
awkward eye contact.
The eye contact was a bit,
you know...
I won't say, cos I have
a boyfriend, but, you know...
I know it feels awkward,
but it won't be on the day.
Like, when that beat drops,
it's just like...
# Why can't we say that... #
Yeah.
Maybe we can hold hands and...
He's going to hold my hand
right at the end.
I was like,
"Is this you making a move, Jason?"
Exactly.
The song is very emotional.
It's a very intimate kind of song,
so I think she kind of needs to snap
out of it a little bit
and be able to lock in
when we need to lock in.
You've got to be able to perform.
To win a record deal,
each artist will perform
live at Manchester's iconic
New Century Hall.
This stage has hosted music
legends like Jimi Hendrix
and The Rolling Stones.
Performing in front of a live crowd,
the one thing that they should
remember most is connection.
You want to connect
with your audience,
whether it's you want to
make them dance,
whether you want to make them
cry or fall in love,
you have to make them
feel something.
As well as their duet with Jason,
each artist will perform their own
original song
in front of a crowd of music fans
and their friends and family.
As an artist, it's really important
to be able to write a hit record.
It just gives you the opportunity
to have longer longevity and success
in the industry.
Becky and top music producer
Tre Jean-Marie
will help the artists to arrange
their songs for the live finale
in 24 hours' time,
along with Project Icon's
vocal director Mike Hough.
Nice to meet you, man.
I'm Dylan.
Nice to meet you. Tre.
First in is Dylan,
with his indie pop track Whiskey.
The artists have to go
and work in the studio
and make sure their track
is the best it can be
with our producer.
Did you have anything in mind
for it?
I think, like, an additional
hook here and there.
And if we can try and just make
OK.
I'll help them out a little bit,
but I will be very closely
watching them
to see how well
they progress their track.
How's it gone today?
Good. I gave Tre the stuff
that I'd produced at home
and said I would like to build upon
Right.
..to help me
make it come to life.
Triple threat.
Writes, produces, sings.
Honestly.
# And now I'm praying
to another god... #
Dylan was a front runner
from the very beginning.
I think we found
the strongest song.
But he's had a rough-a*s
ride ever since.
# I've been moving on
and living my life... #
Today wasn't your best.
It just didn't hit well for me.
One of the hardest parts for me
personally during this competition
was being able to use my voice
throughout different challenges.
I lost my king tuning.
Let's go again.
Obviously, just going through
my transition,
my range has decreased
quite a lot
and I'm still trying
to train my voice to come back.
# Seven nation army couldn't
hold me back... #
I have learnt that sometimes
going outside of your comfort zone
means that you'll learn more.
# All this late night talkin'... #
He's been doing it for a while.
He definitely knows his thing.
He knows his sound artistically.
An amazing lyricist and he is
amazing at producing, as well.
Dylan is a very good songwriter.
He plays his guitar incredibly well.
He can sing.
Winning Project Icon
would be special,
because I'm not trying
to impress people any more.
I'm just being me.
I feel like I have a responsibility
to my younger self,
because I wish
I had me to look up to
and I'm happy living
my authentic life.
# Yeah, baby, we're in heaven now. #
So what is the style?
Is this indie pop route again?
Yes, definitely indie pop.
OK.
# What if I learn to drink
the whiskey?
# What if I take her by the hand?
# I'm optimistic
# Must have missed it when you said
"Dude, you've got to let her go." #
OK.
So what's the song about?
So it's basically the story of
you know when you're on a night out,
you see someone you fancy
and your mate goes,
"It's never going to happen."
And you're like,
"Well, what if I do that?"
And it's that story. I think it's
very, like, uplifting and happy,
and that's kind of
OK.
It's mostly now just remembering
the lyrics in my original song,
because I changed them a couple
of nights ago.
There was a part of me that thought,
the one I've got
in there's just a bit too wordy.
I think anything to simplify
something so people can kind of
Yeah.
I think the post-chorus needs
to be stronger.
Thoughts from the room, please?
Can you just sing the post?
# Na-na-na-na
# Na-na-na-na
Got to let her go
# Go... #
When Becky came into the room,
everything she did was, like,
a great addition to the track
and it was more like
a collaborative process
of everyone working together
to make it the best it can be,
so I absolutely loved that process.
Upstairs in the judges' green room,
after her studio session
with Dylan,
Becky's feeding back
to record label owner Frank.
I feel like he seems
really lovely to work with.
He's very laid-back.
If I had a concern about Dylan,
is Dylan just really
too one-dimensional?
One type of music,
one type of song that he'll make,
right, over and over and over again?
Well, we're going to really see
that in the final performance
and I think that's what
will be our confirmation, right?
That's fair.
Next to rehearse her duet
Hiya!
..is 25-year-old soul singer Nnenna.
I'm super excited, actually,
to perform a duet with Jason.
I'm excited to learn from him.
Obviously, he's been doing
this for years.
He knows how to work a stage.
I saw an amazing light
in you when you sang Lizzo's song
and I really loved how it brought
a different side of you.
# Girl, you're the one I want to
want me... #
I chose Want To Want Me for Nnenna
because I have to continue
to see her in the commercial light,
because the artist that I sign
has to have commercial appeal
and I think this one is
going to work perfect for her.
# Just to get up next to you... #
# I got your body on my mind
# I want it bad
# And just the thought
of you gets me so high
Jeez!
# So high, yeah... #
Yeah, Nnenna was hitting some
crazy notes in there.
It's like notes that only
dogs could hear.
I'm thinking about the harmony.
Mm-hm. Not feeling it?
Cos I really want you to sing
the main note,
because I want people
to be watching you.
I want eyes on you.
# And if you want me, girl,
you got me... #
Yeah.
There is a lot to think about,
but I feel like he's given me
such a challenge
because he knows
I can handle it.
And I also think I want
to push myself. It's the final.
Right, it'll be dip, dip, up.
Dip...
Just to get up next to you.
Dip.
OK.
When he moved his hips
and thrusted in my direction,
I was like, shook, like tcha!
So you want to bring it to me.
OK.
Boom, like that?
OK.
So I've got to bring the energy
he's bringing
without also, like, you know,
overstepping my boundary,
do you know what I mean?
Still respecting his space.
# I wouldn't do
# Just to get up next to you... #
Yeah!
Nnenna's rehearsal,
though I think her energy is great
and she seems willing to take
on anything,
there's still a lot left to learn,
a lot left to do in her performance
to get it up to par.
If your performance is not good,
you're going to hear about it.
I want to make the chorus
a bit livelier.
I just feel like it's a bit
OK.
Next to work with Mike and Tre
in the studio is Mia
on her dance track Over You.
# We're in heaven now,
heaven now... #
Mia's definitely not
the loudest in the room,
but she has an incredible voice.
# I'm over you... #
When she first got here,
she would be so quiet,
she would be looking down
at the floor
and she almost looked uncomfortable.
You really need to learn
to take your nerves
and make them
into something good.
Mia,
I need you to feel it more, babe.
Throughout this competition,
people very much underestimated me.
Even though I'm quiet,
that doesn't mean that I am not
a powerful person.
# Crazy what love... #
As the competition has continued
to progress,
we've seen Mia come
out of her shell.
You gave me exactly what I paid for.
She's got such a strong vocal
and she knows her stuff.
She has so much potential.
With a little bit of guidance,
I think she could be
absolutely magnificent.
That gave me goose bumps.
Wait, I'm really sorry.
Can I start again?
I've been in the bottom two twice.
What if Barry gave you a ring and
was like, "Hey, let's collaborate."
Oh, God, no.
What the f*ck are you doing?
It wasn't to do with
the fact that
they didn't like my voice, my music.
I do feel like I've had more highs
in the competition
than I have lows.
When she does open her mouth
and sing,
her voice speaks
volumes for her.
# I'm holding it all tonight... #
The camera loves you, Mia.
I thought you looked like a star.
# It's you that I've been
waiting to find. #
# And I should've called... #
My journey in this competition has
definitely been empowering.
I have had so much doubt put on me
in the past,
but now, for the first time,
I actually believe in myself
and I actually believe
that I could win this.
Thank you.
What is the inspiration
behind the song?
I wrote it because I went
on a night out
and I accidentally got
with an ex
and then he told me that he loved me
and I was like, "No!
"No, that's not how it works,"
kind of thing.
Honestly, this is, like,
such a big moment for me.
I love Becky Hill and it's like
everyone's going to be thinking
that Mia Kirkland's dream
has just come true
to be collaborating with
Becky Hill, her biggest icon ever.
Also, the key and the melody
of it is inspired by
Wish You Well, actually.
So if, like, you obviously
scrap the vocals,
you can sing
Wish You Well over the top of it.
Right, OK.
So, plagiarism case on your hands.
Dance music is, like,
so quickly changing
that you always have to keep up and,
like,
reinvent yourself with a new sound.
We need to work on, like,
getting the right production.
Yeah!
# Yeah, I'm over you
# Ooh, ooh... #
I think it was really good
to have Becky in the studio.
She made me realise that it was all
on one level
and that we need to add
a bit of dimension to it.
# Tried calling yesterday,
got your voicemail again... #
So that's my main concern with Mia.
She is very unsure
of what her artistry is.
I think she's young and I think
Yeah.
I think she's busking,
she's getting some attention.
She's doing a very good job on
Yeah.
So something's connecting
there, definitely.
I do feel there
is some commercial appeal.
I don't think Mia knows
who she is right now as an artist,
but I do think there's talent,
so with some directing,
with some seasoning,
and with some guidance,
I think she has a chance
to have some mainstream appeal
and be a successful artist.
It's now just 24 hours
till the artists perform live
to a crowd.
And in the holding area, Mia
is losing the battle with her cold.
I might go home.
I'm just tired
and I don't want to overdo it
and then not be able to perform.
Yeah, you need that voice.
It's the one thing you definitely
Yeah.
I'm dying over here.
All right.
Have fun.
Thank you.
I have a really sore throat
and a cold.
I'm not giving up,
even though it changes my voice.
It's really nerve-racking,
because my voice could just break.
It's called Good Guy.
Shall we listen through to...
..the song first?
Ahead of the all-important
live show,
Nnenna wants to make a radical
change to her soulful original song,
Good Guy.
Direction-wise,
I'm thinking just being commercial,
so it's, like, taking the track,
obviously it's super soulful,
I'm a soulful babe at heart,
but it's taking the track
and just putting, like,
a commercial
Yeah.
So we probably need to change,
like, melody or, like,
maybe how I sing
or maybe not cram so many words
Mm-hm.
Let's start from scratch.
Yeah. But, yeah,
I know we haven't got long.
# As I break down these doors... #
Nnenna was really quiet
in the beginning.
I didn't really notice
her until the O2.
# Hard to forget... #
The only person that really
Come on!
# b*tch, I might be better... #
Then at Radio 1,
she totally k*lled it.
# Turn down the lights... #
Quite frankly, I'm here to win.
Nnenna's got that sweet, soulful
sound and her songs are special.
Her vocals are absolutely
out of this world.
I've worked with some
amazing producers
who have given me the tools
and the confidence just
to experiment with my music.
I actually want to make it housy,
kind of maybe like
an afro kind of spin on it.
She's never been in the bottom two
and now she's really hit her stride.
# So take a bunch of yellow roses
from me... #
And I could see Nnenna
being on my label.
# I was biting my tongue
# I was trying to hide... #
Nnenna,
I just got to say one thing.
Wow.
Winning Project Icon would
honestly change my life.
It will allow me to just
kind of pursue my dream,
which has just been, you know,
to sing
and record music
and to tour.
And as much as I love teaching
young people, you know, music,
I probably won't have to do that.
Can I do it again?
Too late.
How is it going?
Good. I've got a groove.
I've got a vision of what I want.
I'm doing a song of mine
called Good Guy.
Do you think this is the right
I hope so.
With the spin that I'm going to
put on it,
I hope I can make it
a little more commercial.
So I thought, let's completely
just start from scratch.
Yeah, you guys literally have
a very short amount of time
to turn a track around.
Can you sing me through the chorus
Yeah.
# And I don't know how
You took control of me
# Made it hard to leave
# You called yourself
a good guy... #
You're giving away the chorus melody
before you get there.
# Oh, you took control of me
# Took control of me... #
Down.
# Oh, took control of me
# And I can't believe... #
Working with Becky,
it was super collaborative.
I mean, obviously she has an ear
for commercial music
and I think that's kind of what
my music needs at the moment.
So let's start with those
Yeah.
# Good, thought you were
a good guy-uy-uy... #
I knew the sound that I wanted.
# Good guy-uy-uy... #
Yeah.
It felt good that I'd taken
a risk with my sound
and I pushed it to
another direction,
which I'm completely happy with.
And let's hope the judges
think so as well.
So Nnenna bought Tre her own record
and stripped everything
out of it
and basically started again
Mm-hm.
What I love about her is
that in this process,
she's put her A&R hat on
and she's gone,
"I'm going to make my music
sound like money."
I think there's a lot of commercial
Same.
I think that, you know, the kind of
music that she was making,
maybe not as much,
but I think the kind of music
that she's open to making,
she has a lot of potential in
Definitely.
How was that?
Yeah.
You're excited for it, then?
I am.
I used to think my biggest threat
was Mia,
but over the past couple
of challenges,
Nnenna's really come out
of her shell and she's smashing it.
Where's Mia?
Mia had to go home.
She wasn't feeling very well.
I don't really know what that means
for her final performance
or if it will affect her duet.
Well, it's probably the worst
I know.
When you've got to sing with Jason.
Yeah.
I imagine it's, like, racking
around her brain, as well.
I'd probably say Mia's probably
my biggest contender in a way
that I know the judges
really like her.
She's good at...
She does what she does well.
I just need to do what I do well
and then k*ll it.
On a brighter note,
I do.
All right, well,
I'll see you in a bit.
Hope it all goes well.
Thank you.
I am normally on stage on my own.
The collaboration of two artists
isn't something I do
very frequently, so this is
outside of my comfort zone.
But I'm really hoping that I can
just show him
that it's something I can do
well when it's the right dynamic.
How's it going?
Good, thanks, man.
Man, really good.
Last to rehearse with Jason
is 29-year-old indie boy Dylan.
As you know,
Mm-hm.
I think it's, like,
right up your alley.
# You could be my it girl
# Baby got me whipped, girl
# Lovin' you could be a crime... #
Dylan singing It Girl
is a match made in heaven.
# Give me 25 to life... #
It's an upbeat pop song
that is guitar led,
where Dylan's talent
can shine.
# Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like... #
Are you familiar with the song?
I'm very familiar with the song.
Yeah.
It's got some memories for me.
When I was in school,
I used to fancy this girl
around the time this song came out
and she didn't fancy me back,
so this song brings back
those memories.
So now I need to rewrite
the narrative with you
and make it overcome it again,
Absolutely, absolutely.
Yeah, definitely.
Shall I play for us, then,
or are we going to do it
Oh!
I think that's
OK.
# I've been looking under rocks
and breaking locks... #
Nice.
# Just trying to find you... #
Just on the guitar
is really interesting.
Oh, really?
Do you have a preference?
I like the nature of
the stripped back one,
because you hear our voices
Yeah.
But I think in the show, there's
such good drums in that track,
I'm like, maybe
they should be there.
Or, you know, we do a track now
and then in the future
we do an acoustic song together.
Problem solved.
Mm-hm.
..and then, like, not be looking
Sure.
You can choose, like,
a couple of lines here
and then you can look
somewhere else
and choose a couple of lines.
Like, it's too heartfelt
to be like...
# I've been looking under rocks
and breaking locks... #
Or...
# I've been looking under rocks
and breaking locks... #
Yeah, yeah.
He gave me some really useful advice
on interaction with the audience,
and he was like, "Yo, like,
hold on to one person
"and sing an entire
line to them
"and really create
a moment for that person."
And that's, like, it's really cool
advice and it's something
that I will definitely
take into my own shows.
Like, I want to believe
that you're talking to...
We're not looking under
the rocks any more.
We're now just telling
Exactly, exactly.
I came in ready to give him notes,
but he didn't really need much.
I gave him little idiosyncratic
notes, like, "You missed that note,"
or, "The rhythm was a little
off here."
He didn't need much.
Thank you so much, Jason.
All right. Thanks, Dylan.
I get the vibe that he enjoyed
working with me.
I don't know.
Duet rehearsals are over.
The artists' reworked original songs
will be mixed overnight.
We're here, honeys.
Today, the artists will perform
in front of a live crowd,
and in 12 hours they will know
who will be signed
to Jason and Frank's record label,
and the nerves are starting to show.
If it isn't our three finalists.
How are you feeling?
Anxious.
This is the biggest test yet.
This is the finals.
They're going to be performing
on stage with me
and they have to do
an original song.
This is where we find a winner
of Project Icon.
What was the biggest thing
that you were kind of worried about?
Remembering my own lyrics,
because I've rewritten them
all for this show specifically.
Just the duet with Jason.
You know, he's such a natural
at this.
It's all down to this. OK?
Are you guys ready back there?
Because I'll do the cue
if you guys are? All right.
For the final challenge, the artists
are performing with Jason Derulo
and there is a lot that could
go wrong.
Can we film this next one
just so I can see
what the lighting is doing?
Because when put next to somebody
who has been doing this for years,
Jason is going to show the artists
up if they don't bring their A-game.
Ahead of tonight's finale,
the artists have just one
rehearsal with Jason.
This is the last chance for him
to check on their performance.
Try and lock into the...
# I wouldn't do, no, no, no... #
I'm not doing it. I thought...
You're going...
# I wouldn't do, no, no, no... #
You're around there.
# I wouldn't do,
I wouldn't do, no, no, no... #
We'll lock it in, don't worry.
We'll lock it in.
Could you imagine having to
go up there,
perform his songs with him,
not wanting to f*ck up?
You're talking about
a high level of nerves, fear.
The stakes are really high.
This should be a moment
where we actually cross.
We get to the second verse
and then you sing your part
and then you can just cross.
There is a lot to think about,
but I want to win.
I want to take it all the way
and I don't want to leave
here empty-handed.
Jordan!
How was it?
You've just done your sound check?
I think in the rehearsal,
I was nervous.
It's weird, though,
doing a rehearsal...
..because you don't quite
get the atmosphere, do you?
It's always hard to, like,
gauge, you know, what to do
because there's no audience.
Hi.
Also feeling the nerves
is 18-year-old busker Mia,
who is still suffering
with a heavy cold.
I really want you to rest today
in between, like,
you know, when you're not
needed to sing, don't sing.
When you don't need to talk,
don't be over-shouting
or being too loud.
I just want you to rest.
I'm still very sick, as well.
I'm a bit worried about
my voice breaking on stage.
Mia is under the weather
and she's kind of struggling.
I'm not sure what's going
to come out of her mouth.
This is going to be difficult,
because you still have to shine.
# Why can't I kiss you on
the dance floor? #
If you need to,
you can save your voice.
You don't have to do
a full-out, OK?
I have no idea what my vocals
are going to come out like.
I'm really nervous, actually.
Is Jason ready?
Next to rehearse with Jason...
..is Dylan.
The stakes are so high.
We're all just this close
to potentially being the winner
of Project Icon,
so it's all to play for.
# Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
# Let me play it loud... #
For my sound check
with Jason,
we went back and forth
on a couple of different things.
A couple of little nerves, but
I think that's good to have them
because it means, you know, you care
and you want to deliver
a good show.
# Let me play it loud like... #
This is it.
So I think you should relax
Sure.
Because you're a little
ahead of the beat.
I like the cool version.
Yeah, yeah.
He came in and I felt nervous
energy, and he was, like,
playing really fast.
And I was like, "Bro, you got
to calm the f*ck down,
"slow it down
and just be yourself."
So I'm looking for who can cope
with those nerves
and still put on
a great performance.
Relax into it a little more.
We don't have to be
OK.
Tonight's venue has a capacity
of 1,300.
In 30 minutes, the artists
will perform live to an audience
of music fans and their friends
and family.
Is this the worst bit?
It's the waiting to go on.
As soon as you step on,
something changes, doesn't it?
Yeah.
It's anybody's game
and that's an incredible
place to be.
And I can't wait to see how
this last challenge plays itself out
because I think it's anybody's
game to win.
The bar has been set incredibly high
with these final three.
I can't wait to see who gets signed
to Jason's record label.
Hello and welcome
to the final of Project Icon!
Please can you give a big,
warm welcome to Nnenna King,
Mia Kirkland
and Dylan And The Moon?
How are you feeling?
A bit overwhelmed, really?
Dylan, are you ready for it?
Yeah, I'm feeling pretty excited.
Very happy to be here with everyone.
Nnenna, how are you feeling?
I'm feeling so good.
You guys look great.
So, tonight, you're going
to be performing a duet
with the main man himself,
Mr Jason Derulo.
And also you're going to be
performing
one of your own original tracks.
Judges, do you have any advice
for our brilliant artists tonight,
please?
We've scoured the UK
for amazing talent
and we are left here
with three amazing artists.
So I want you to be proud
of yourself
and just soak in this moment.
This moment is yours,
so live in this moment and enjoy it.
Don't leave anything behind.
Leave it all on the stage.
OK,
it's time to get things started.
Frank, you...
You know what I'm going to ask here.
What time is it?
Jordan...
it's showtime.
Yes! Nailed it.
It's now ten minutes till the first
finalist takes to the stage.
Opening the show is soul singer
Nnenna,
singing Jason's hit
Want To Want Me.
I get nervous all the g*dd*mn time,
but I do well live
and I love being on stage.
I mean, after such a strong
performance in the semis,
it's given me the confidence
to just smash it in the finals.
Jason's going to be on stage
with the artist,
so me and Frank are going
to be keeping a very close eye
on what the artists are doing.
This is intimidating.
I do not envy them at all.
In the rehearsals,
I kind of took it easy,
but when the lights go on,
I can't hold back,
and it's going to be an entirely
different Jason
when we get on the stage.
They've got to be prepared,
because they can easily
be overshadowed
when the lights come on.
# It's too hard to sleep
# I got the sheets on the floor
# Nothing on me
# And I can't take it no more
# It's 100 degrees
# I got one foot out the door
# Where are my keys, baby?
# Cos I gotta leave
# In the back of the cab
Come on!
# I tip the driver 'head of time
# Get me there fast
# I got your body on my mind
# I want it bad
# And just the thought of you
# Gets me so high
# So high
# Girl, you're the one I want
to want me
# And if you want me, girl,
you got me
# There's nothing I, no,
I wouldn't do
# I wouldn't do
# Just to get up...
# You open the door
# Wearing nothing but a smile
# Down to the floor
# And you whisper in my ear
"Baby, I'm yours"
# Oh, just the thought of you
# Gets me so high
# So high
# Girl, you're the one I want
to want me
# And if you want me, girl,
you got me
# There's nothing I
# No, I wouldn't do
Sing!
# I wouldn't do
# Just to get up next to you
# I would do anything
# To get up next to you
# Wouldn't do, wouldn't do, baby
# Just to get up next to you
# Sing it, oh
# To get up, get up
# To get up next to you. #
That's how you do it, girl!
Ahh!
How was it?
Yeah?
I feel like I did my best, you know?
Oh, God.
Such a nice vibe.
Yeah?
I heard them. They were singing
along and everything, weren't they?
I'm just so happy.
She swagged it out.
I feel her stage presence
was excellent.
She looked amazing.
She sounded great.
The chemistry with her and Jason
on stage was amazing.
That is how it's done.
Duet done,
Jason rejoins Frank and Becky.
Well, you were amazing.
Thank you, guys.
Definitely deserve
the record deal.
It's the last performance
on Project Icon.
I'm a little bit nervous,
actually,
because obviously
this is my own song
that the audience don't know,
so we'll see.
I hope they react well to it.
The importance of the original
song that the artists
are going to be performing is
it speaks
to their commercial viability,
it speaks to their artistry
and their ability
to write hit records.
And it's also the last moment
for them to show us why
they should be signed to our label.
This final performance is
going to be big.
I'm definitely a soulful babe,
but, you know, I will fight to win
and I'm not
going home empty-handed.
I've got what it takes to beat
Mia and Dylan.
This is now 25-year-old
Nnenna's final chance
to show the judges
Wow.
Wow!
Singing her reworked original track,
Good Guy.
# Thought you were a good guy
# I was hurt
# Look how you treated me
# Didn't handle me with care
# No loyalty
# Those excuses that I believed
# Left me questioning myself
# And sanity
# You came around
and swept me off my feet
# Lost for words to speak
# And I don't know how
# You took control of me
# Made it hard to leave
# I thought you were a good guy
# I fell for it all the time
# Staring at me with those eyes
# But now I see you
# Had my doubts
# When you speak to me
# Something didn't feel right
# But I let it be
# Red flags, you were in your bed
# You can't keep me down for so long
# I'll be standing here
and I'm fighting strong
# I thought you were a good guy
# I thought you were a good guy
# But now I see you. #
Brilliant.
This is a beautiful execution
of your true talent
and you sounded amazing.
Well done, babe.
So, Nnenna, the vocal performance
was very good.
Yeah.
All right, Nnenna.
To be honest, I don't love the song.
The song was the biggest
issue for me,
but I think you sang beautifully.
I'm all good. I enjoyed myself.
But, yeah, I'm done.
Thank you.
Second to perform is Dylan,
duetting on Jason's
hit song It Girl.
I do think somewhere inside
that I have what it takes to beat
Mia and Nnenna,
because I think
I know who I am as an artist.
And I've come this far
and I'm not about to turn it
off now.
If anything,
I'm about to turn it the hell up.
# Oh, yeah, yeah
# Oh, yeah
# I've been looking under rocks
and breaking locks
# Just trying to find you
# I've been like a maniac, insomniac
# Five steps behind you
# Tell them other girls,
they can hit the exit, cheque please
# Cos I finally found the girl
of my dreams
# Much more than a Grammy award
# That's how much you mean to me
# Baby, you're my it girl
# Baby you're the sh*t, girl
# Lovin' you could be a crime
# Crazy how we fit, girl
# This is it, girl
# Give me 25 to life
# I just wanna rock
all night long
# And put you in the middle of
my spotlight
# You could be my it, girl
# You're my biggest hit, girl
# Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like...
# Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
# Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like...
# Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
# Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like...
# Can't seem to stop you
from running, running
# Through my, through my mind, mind
# Just keep it coming, coming
# Till I make you mine, mine
# You've got that something,
something
# I wanna be with, girl
# I wanna be with, girl
# You're my biggest hit, girl
You're my biggest hit, girl
# Trust me, this is it, girl, oh
# You could be my it girl
# Baby, you're the sh*t, girl
# Lovin' you could be a crime
# Crazy how we fit, girl
Come on!
# This is it, girl
# Give me 25 to life
# I just wanna rock all night long
# And put you in the middle
of my spotlight
# You could be my it girl
# You're my biggest hit, girl
# Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like...
# Yeah, yeah
Come on!
# Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like...
# Oooh. #
Well done!
Jordan!
Jordan, Jordan.
All right, mate.
Just all right?
I wasn't as in it as I would
have loved to have been,
OK.
Did you enjoy it?
I really enjoyed it, regardless.
Go and
Go on.
I think he was so confident
and I just...
I love Dylan, but I think
we're going to get the star of Dylan
when Dylan does his original track.
I'm singing my own song with,
like, brand-new lyrics,
so it's just me.
Everyone's looking at just me.
The nerves are really sort
of kicking in now,
because this is the last opportunity
we have to show the judges
who we are, like,
this is that one final shot.
So, you know, it's all or nothing.
It is this song or nothing.
I know who I am as an artist.
For his final performance,
Dylan is singing his
newly-arranged track, Whiskey.
# Saw this girl in the street
# I think she's friends
with my friend Mikey Lee
# And he said,
"Boy, there's no chance
# "She's drinking Jameson's
in hot pants"
# And he thinks that
she'll never fancy me
# He said,
"Ooh, you got to let her go"
# I said, "Ooh, I got to get
her home"
# So what if I take her out
Yeah!
# What if I let my hair grow long?
# What if I love her
like she needs it all night long?
# And what if I learn to
drink the whiskey?
# What if I take her by the hand?
# I'm optimistic
# Must have missed it when you said,
oh
# "You've got to let her go"
# Hey
# But I'll never let her go
# She let me take her out
of the city
# She said I should let my hair
grow long
# She said that I loved her like
she needs it all night long
# She said I don't have to drink
the whiskey
# She let me take her by the hand
# I'm optimistic
# Must have missed it when you said,
oh
# "You've got to let her go"
# Oh, baby
# I'm never letting go
# Oh, nah, nah
# I'm never letting go. #
Hell yeah, Dylan!
Fantastic, man.
Listen, you had the audience
just waiting at your hands
and feet, man.
Honestly, that was
a brilliant performance.
It's one of the catchiest songs
I've heard
and I can actually hear
that song on the radio.
By the end of the song,
I was like...
# You're never letting go. #
That's what we want.
I was ready with you. Absolutely.
Great job, brother. Great job.
Thank you, thank you.
I really love the songwriting
in that song.
I loved the way you moved
up and down the stage
and you had that stage presence.
It really felt like you were
having a fun time out there.
Your joy is infectious and I felt
like you commanded that crowd.
Well done, Dylan.
I loved every second of that.
Well done.
Thanks. Thanks, everybody.
Thank you.
That is a performance from me.
That is what I wanted to do
when I came here.
That is what I've just gone
and done. I couldn't be happier.
I loved it. I feel so ecstatic.
They loved it.
Literally couldn't ask for more.
Last to perform, having been forced
to rest her voice,
is Mia.
Are you worried about your throat?
Yeah, I'm just worried about
my voice, like, cracking
and messing up the song,
because there's
a lot of high notes in my song.
I'm so nervous.
So nervous.
Three, two, one, action.
She's duetting with Jason
with their version
of Secret Love Song.
# We keep behind closed doors
# Every time I see you
I die a little more
# Stolen moments that we steal
as the curtain falls
# It'll never be enough
# But we know this
# We got a love that is hopeless
# Why can't you hold me
in the street?
# Why can't I kiss you
on the dance floor?
# I wish that it could be like that
# Why can't it be like that?
# Cos I'm yours
# And nobody knows I'm in love
with someone's baby
# I don't wanna hide us away
# Tell the world about the love
we're making, baby
# I'm living for that day
# Someday
# Can I hold you in the street?
# Can I kiss you on
the dance floor, baby, now?
# I wish that it could be like that
# Why can't it be like that?
# Cos I'm yours, I'm yours
# Why can't I hold you in
the street?
# I wanna shout it from the rooftop
# I wish that it could be like that
Oh
# Why can't it be like that?
I wish
# Cos I'm yours
Cos I'm yours
# Wish it could be like that
# Why can't it be like that? #
Hey! How was it?
Yeah, it was really good,
but I was really,
really nervous beforehand.
I thought I was going to throw up,
but we're all good. I didn't, so...
You're smiling. You're beaming from
I am.
I'm really happy.
You sounded amazing.
She sang the hell out of that song.
That, vocally, was unbelievable.
She was a little under the weather,
as well.
She didn't let a single
person know any of that.
I'm so proud of her.
Having smashed her duet, Mia has one
more performance to get through.
I'm so nervous.
Ever since I was a little girl,
I always wanted to perform
on a stage
to an audience that wants
to sing my own lyrics back to me.
To show why she should be signed
to Jason's label,
singing her original song Over You.
# What d'you think you're doing?
# This is not a game
# No, it's not confusing
# You're the one to blame
# Don't get carried away
# We are not the same
# You say you miss me, darling
# Oh, what a shame
# You took my love for granted
# So this is the end
# Don't think we're starting over
# Now you can tell your friends
# Once you're in your bed
# You know I'm in your head
# But you just have to accept that
I'm over you
# If you did just what you said
# You'd still be in my head
# You just have to accept
# That I'm over you
# Yeah, I'm over you
Yes!
# Don't cry because I'm over you
# Cry because you're the one
who knew
# I'm better than you can do
# Just a trial run
# Took my love for granted
# So this is the end
# Don't think we're starting over
# Now you can tell your friends
# I'm over you
# Yeah, I'm over you. #
That was amazing.
And the fact that that is
an original song
and it's in my head right now,
it's a very good sign.
Great job.
That's the kind of performance
that I've been expecting from you.
Kudos to you, Mia.
Great performance.
Thank you so much.
I'm so happy for you.
Like, how good does
the record sound?
It sounds so fresh.
Your vocal performance was amazing.
You smashed that. Well done.
Thank you so much.
That was the best feeling
of my entire life.
It was so amazing seeing
everyone enjoy what I've created
and they finally got to see
how I perform to a crowd,
and Frank said that that's
what he'd been waiting for.
The artists have done all they can.
It's time for the judges to head
to the green room to deliberate.
So, it's decision time.
We have three very talented
artists in their own rights,
and it's anybody's game.
I'm so proud of yous all.
You've absolutely smashed this.
The qualities that artists
that we sign
need to have are one, talent.
It starts with talent.
You need to be able to sing.
You need to be able to write.
And then we want that
superstar spark.
When they walk into a room,
it's just something
compelling about them.
And then we want artists
who understand the importance
of building their brand.
Over to the judges, now, then.
Fun times.
First off,
let's talk about Nnenna.
I'm showcasing what I can do,
and I've done it with such grace,
elegance, class, do you know
what I'm trying to say?
So I feel so good right now.
I thought Nnenna has grown a lot
during the competition.
I think she stepped up to the plate.
She has an amazing voice.
Very elegant.
I loved it when she sang
Want To Want Me.
I felt like she k*lled her duet.
And actually, she gave as good
as she got as well with you, Jason.
She's an absolute star
and I think now she needs
the right people behind her.
So then that brings me on to Mia.
The judges have definitely seen
who I am as an artist now.
I have great chemistry with Jason
and I have great chemistry
with myself on stage,
and I think that I have proved that
I'm worthy to be signed by Jason.
Tonight, what I saw was phenomenal.
Her original track,
I loved the song.
I loved her performance.
I loved her duet.
I think Mia is a pop star.
Mia is the easiest to find
Yeah.
She's in a space that is
very current, very right now,
very Gen Z.
Yeah.
She also has a following.
You know, she has the most
followers out of everybody,
so we're not the only ones
that like her.
A very important part of this
competition is finding artists
that also understand the importance
of social media.
Mia is clearly the front runner
from that perspective.
I totally hear what you guys
are saying.
My concern is that she needs
a bit of time. Now, Dylan.
This whole time I've kind
of felt like,
"Oh, it's not going to be me.
I'm not going to be in the final."
And then now I'm here
and those performances, like,
I just feel like why not?
Why not? It could be me.
He's such a good songwriter.
He's a producer.
He's 100%-er.
That's very rare in this industry.
Yes, he is.
Someone that can produce
a song and write it.
Dylan is ready to go.
He's incredibly talented.
He's great at what he does.
But the question is how commercial
is Dylan marketplace-wise?
We need a global star, right?
We need someone that's going to take
the world by storm.
We've got a really hard decision
on our hands here, guys.
Because now we're
talking about proper music business.
We're not f*cking around at all.
You're right.
The decision has been made.
Now to tell the three finalists
which of them is the winner
of Project Icon
and a huge record deal.
Guys,
some incredible performances there.
I thought you smashed it
and all brought your A-game.
Really proud of you.
Judges, we would love to
know what you guys thought.
Guys, you have given us
so much energy this evening
and across the board,
so much talent.
It has been beautiful to watch
you all grow
and what you did this evening,
you should be so proud
of yourselves.
You can walk away from
this whole process
with your head held high.
Well done.
Guys, only one of you can be crowned
the winner
and walk away with
a life-changing record deal.
It's now time to find out
who that person is.
Jason.
Who do you want to sign?
The winner of Project Icon is...
Dylan.
Oh, my God.
Oh, my God!
What the f*ck?
What the...?
Dylan!
Just try to describe how
you're feeling right now.
Like, I'm not normally
a speechless person,
but I'm, like, truly
speechless about this.
I didn't even think
I'd be in the final.
Thank you so much for
believing in me.
Thank you for being so supportive,
from when I told you about my story
and my journey
and thank you for realising...
Oh, my God.
..and realising it's something
that the world needs to see.
That's right.
And that there can
be great things from great people.
I... I don't even really know
what to say.
I'm just... I'm blown away.
The future holds so many things,
you know.
A record thing,
and the Jason Derulo thing,
and the BBC Radio 1 Weekend thing.
I just want to write music
and I want to speak to people.
I want to change people
and their lives
and just bring people together.
I'm still going to keep doing
my busking,
because it is something
that I love
and it's got me
to where I am now. I'm 18.
I've got so much time to grow,
to learn and to do what I love.
I'm so appreciative to, you know,
have just gotten this far,
just to be here.
Yeah, you know, you're going
to hear more of me, honey.
This isn't the end.
This is just the beginning.
You're just such a bright light,
Thank you.
And so we're so happy to welcome
Yeah.
We'll make some magic together. I
I'd love to, yeah.
Yeah, thank you.
This is the end of my Project Icon.
It's done.
But, you know,
it's the beginning of a whole new
Dylan And The Moon chapter.
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01x06 - Episode 6
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Jordan North hosts the music competition devised by Jason Derulo. Derulo, his manager Frank Harris and British singer Becky Hill mentor eight aspiring recording artists as they are set challenges to compete for a life changing prize.
Jordan North hosts the music competition devised by Jason Derulo. Derulo, his manager Frank Harris and British singer Becky Hill mentor eight aspiring recording artists as they are set challenges to compete for a life changing prize.