If you're searching for a list of the most successful American Idol contestants, you might not find Queen Naija's name featured prominently. Despite not making it past the "Hollywood" portion of the competition and being cut before the top 30, Queen Naija Bulls, known as Queen Naija, has become one of the most successful Idol contestants. With singles achieving 5x platinum and 4x gold, and albums earning 2x gold, her success speaks for itself.
From American Idol to Multi-Platinum Artist
Queen Naija, who started her career as a YouTube personality, participated in the 13th season of American Idol in 2014. Although she hasn't spoken to the judges — Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr., and Keith Urban — since her time on the show, she has become a popular and decorated R&B artist at the age of 28.
New EP: After the Butterflies
Queen, a mother of two, has recently released a new EP titled "After the Butterflies" on Nov. 17. The EP reflects a dark period in her relationship, serving as an outlet to express her emotions. Despite the challenging times, Queen and her current boyfriend, Clarence White, remain strong, and the album includes songs about both the struggles and joys of her relationships.
Dealing with Trolls and Twitter Trends
Like many celebrities, Queen has faced trolling and crude comments on social media. Despite being falsely linked to the OceanGate Titan submersible implosion in June 2023, she turned the situation into a marketing opportunity. Launching an online shop with merch featuring phrases like "I blame Queen Naija" and "I'll see you in court," she successfully transformed negative commentary into a sold-out merchandise line.
Empowering Up-and-Coming Artists
Queen Naija, who initially faced setbacks in her attempts to join American Idol, now offers advice to up-and-coming artists. Her message emphasizes the importance of consistency, trust in oneself and God, and a reflection on whether aspiring artists are ready for the journey and its challenges. Queen's journey, starting from YouTube and leading to multi-platinum success, serves as an inspirational story for those striving to break into the industry.