Watch videos of second episode of Indian Idol 3 premiered on 5th May 2007.

The Baroda auditions started off with Shikha Jain. Shikha said she hasn’t lost any of the competitions that she went to previously and exuded confidence that she will get through. She sang “Bichde abhi tho hum … “. Udit ko bahut acha laga and Alisha agreed. Anu came up with the argument “Koi bhi sur main gaaya tho usse Mumbai le jaaye kya?! The voice need to rock “ … and said I am not very impressed … however she got the pass to Mumbai … Shikha said she was afraid seeing Anu and said “aisa dekh rahe the”.

Next came Alpesh Soni. He took rumaal from Udit and sang “Zamaane ne kaha toote hue” Pathetic. Got few sarcastic wah wah’s from Anu. Strong comments. Udit said “Circus ke liye bahut ache hai aap”. Alpesh ended his nightmare with how a dog would bark if it were Rajesh Khanna, Dev Anand, Shah Rukh and Sanjeev Kumar.

Vijay Patel sang “Yeh dil aashiquana”. Shook his leg quite a bit while singing. Anu said “Aapne aisa gaaya ki aapne sur ko hara diya”. LOL. The poor guy didn’t even understand the sarcasm and that he was infact master of the sur. Funny. Extra bits from not so mention worthy singers like Aakash Rathod, Jaimim Parekh, Sunil Parikh. That’s it. Anu and team then decided to go out tell all the participants to pull up the socks since all of the people who sang were below standard. Then came the Teen Deviyan. Anu asked the contestant to wear the goggles she got with herself. Then Anu wore his and so did Alisha and Udit. With the scene set Devika, Usha and her other sister tried their vocal luck. Alisha sang the same Kajra re intro lines and clearly showed how the Sur and Expression was missing. After all this, the sister’s walked off thinking it was an unfair affair. God Bless em.

Sheena Raju is the one to watch. In trendy black dress, Sheena sang “Sajnaa aabhi jaa”. Anu was extremely happy that voice was resonating and Udit thought uski awaaz main kashish hai. Needless to say, welcome to Mumbai. Bhoomi Trivedi, Dhwani, Manali all came and went. The scene then shifted to Rajasthan where Mini get hold of one Dhannu Ram, makes him sing (and he sings it well … sounded like a Rajasthani folk) and gives him a pass. Poor chap. Maybe he didn’t get the way how these shows work. He landed up at the auditions shown later only to be rejected. What a waste of time and money. We always know II wouldn’t encourage such talent. Why call em!? Looks like Mini was roaming around the streets a lot to find talent in Rajasthan, land of Sandeep Acharya. She finally finds a guy singing for a band in what looked like shaadi ka baraat. Another pass to come to auditions. I have seen the auditions happening at Hyderabad. It made me angry how best of the singers were not even given the chance to appear before the final judges. And on the other hand we have bunch of jokers, in the name of entertainment, are out before the judges only to face their sarcasm and dejection. Sigh.

Best scene from the Jodhpur auditions was Mini in local attire and speaking the slang and taking off on an oonth. Reminded me of my Pilani days. Our friendly neighborhood Dhannu Ram landed at auditions and sang “Tum ne na jaana” from Chalte Chalte. Comments. Weak singing … hasne ka andaaz acha hai … Thank you very much. Poor guy. Looked happy anyways that he cud come until there. Kuldeep Ojha, 22. He sang More Saiya. Aalaap that he took sounded very good. Anu said awaaz kisi se milti nahi hai, Udit said Indian culture barkaraar rakh rahe ho, Alisha said unique awaaz, gamak hai awaaz main aur Rajasthan ki khushbu hai. Chalo Mumbai for Kuldeep. Anu was happy that they finished the auditions without a fight. We did notice that Anu. Was it because Javed wast there.

Scene Kanpur. Usual routine of some people doing/attempting mimicry. People like Rajendar Tripathi did merciless killing of Dhoom title song (how the hell did he get to that stage). Liked the comment though. Udit said “besurapan sasta ho gaya”. Kailash Kher was dumbfounded and said “pehli baar aisa ajooba dekha hai”. Funny. Time for Ankita mishra, 17. She sang “Koi mil gaya”. She had the energy and the confidence. She also sang “Tu sirf mere mehboob meri mehbooba” and said to Anu she became a big fan of him after hearing this song. Interesting (there was a cut there) … when Udit was speaking she was kinda saying aap point pe aa jaayiye :-). Restless for the result eh. And she got the Yellow card.

Malik and co is so happy they get into a impromptu jamming session to make an Indian Idol song with lyric that goes like “Ladka banega and Ladki banegi etc “… Apologies. Dont rememeber more than that. Customary Colgate Hasso Tho Khul Ke Haso. Time for Sunil Bhatia, 23 to create some laughs. Shiva Roshan Varma claimed he is classically trained from a Guru Mr. LK Pandit (apologies if the name is wrong) who is close friend of Kailash. He murdered the durbari and claimed on top of it yeh unke (judges) samajh se oopar hai … yeh kya hai hamaare saamne. Concluding part had a mother who is extremely angry that Anu Malik is not fair and spews vengence saying Anu singer bhi nahi hai … kaise judge karengey.

The show started off with the clippings from the previous seasons and inters to this years season by the hosts. Watch this first Episode of Indian Idol 3 premiered on 4th May 2007.

The show started off with the clippings from the previous seasons and inters to this years season by the hosts. Immediately the judges Anu Malik, Javed, Alisha and Udit were introduced. Watch first episode videos here..

Funny Anu Malik asks one of the guys waiting for audition “You know how am I isn’t it?!” Hmm … The Delhi, Amritsar and Jammu auditions were covered this week. The first contestant was Shubhangi, 21. Anu Malik immediately Okayed her. However, Javed objected saying her pronunciation is little weak and she sounds more western and the hindusthani touch is missing. Udit goes on to say the singing sounded artificial. Malik became sad that they missed a good voice and said Javed saab … Hadh kar di aapne.
Second in line is Prem Rajan from Kerala. Udit sang song in Malayalam (one of his Malayalam film songs). He sang Na Jaane Kabse (with some guitar) and later on Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaaye w/o the guitar as requested by Anu. Like always we need some suspense during the break. Malik said before the break that his voice was imperfect. Wonder how these REALITY SHOWS are being shot with the breaks as well in mind. So much for reality. After the break, Malik says his imperfect is perfect enough for Mumbai. Sigh.
Some interlude and we heard a young lad from Punjab saying in typical punjabi accent … mera voice hard rock voice hai and I will rock TO anyone … funny !
Next Amit Sharma. MA Music and all of 21. He sang Mitwa (KANK). Pretty good. Except for the pronunciation of the word Dhadkan. Our Malik became creative here. Claiming this never happened before in II. He asked Javed to write coupla lines and he will tune it and the contestant will need to sing. Jave saab wrote ” Kuch bhi kahiye … Magar yun na khamoshi se dil naa todiye” … Anu, Javed liked the rendering. Udit said “shabd main maturity hai “… whatever that means. Alisha said thoda sur hata magar pick up achi hai.
Some clips of people acting like some beggars asking to be made Indian Idol. Bad taste.
I cant believe some people who dont deserve are put in front of the elite judges. Everyone shud know this. During the initial auditions held at various cities there is this first shortlist done by some Sony/BMG guys and only those who they think has the capability are given a chance to appear b4 the judges. It’s indeed irritating to see such characters that pass the initial screening just in the name of ENTERTAINMENT. Hope Sony doesn’t go too far else II3 will get Sanjayaed and Malakared. There was this guy who sand Tujhe dekha tho yeh jaana sanam. How pathetic. Huh … But likes what Udit said … Awaaz koi kela nahi jo mele ke thele main khareed sakte hai … LOL …
The we had Jaspreet whose inspiration were the unhappy security guards in his hostel who could not bear his singing all night and his friend who goaded him to dikha do security guards ko what he is made of … awww … need a break … less said the better …
Then the time of Ads being made part of the show … Fat lady walks into the audition room laughing like one mad cow … (Sony we know she is not a participant) and the ad below … what else … Hasso Tho Khul ke Haso from Colgate …
And this is a stretch … Mr. Samir walks in with abouquet, framed photograph of Alisha etc etc … and gets so emotional saying he waited for so many months to meet to Alisha. He said he was a fan since 85. And he didnt look OLD at all ?! Anyways after the Happy Birthday drama he was not selected at all.
Most promising. Richa Aneja. What a kiddo. Young, innocent and extremely talented. Watch her and she is going to take the show by storm. MARK THESE WORDS. She sang a old song and Beedi Jalaile with great display of the range she has. Anu just stood up and gave the Yellow slip to Mumbai. Cute when she asked kaunsa gaana yaad karke aana padega …
Next Surudee … (apologies if the name is spelled wrong). She sang More Piya … thought she rushed things a little bit … lengthy discussions … and she cudnt make it to Mumbai …
Ram Rustagi sang Jhanak Jhanak Tore … Rejected …He walks off and comes back in asking for a second chance. Sings well and judges are surprised. They ask him are you the same Ram … And our Ram walks in … Guy who came in after Ram and sang was Shyam … his twin brother … Ram’s feedback wasnt in sur … Shyam in Sur … and the questions … Sur main gaaya magar kyo nahi liya .. Hume kya pata Shyaam ! Golmaal hai bhai sab golmaal hai …
My thoughts … nothing new … except for the judges … looks like Javed and Anu have been asked to stage quite a few heated arguments … I am being optimistic here … hoping for better delivery of the program !

Review by Indian Idol 3

Structure

The show is segmented into four rounds:

Theatre round

Held in Mumbai, contestants perform one song to the panel of judges. The deliberations must limit the contender pool to 28 hopefuls.

Piano round

The 28 semifinalists are split up into four groups of seven each; two girl groups, two boy groups. From each group three finalists are chosen by the public who go on to form the final 12.

Gala round

One contestant is eliminated each week by viewer votes.

Here are some Promos of Indian Idol 3…Promo 1

Indian Idol 3 Best Promos

Indian Idol 3 in Delhi

Indian Idol 3 in Bhopal

Talking of the anchors, the third season of Indian Idol presents a new face – the dashing actor Hussain Kuwajirwala. Young and talented with a huge fan following, also known for his dancing skills and histrionics, he will be able to connect with the 16–30 year old contestants and at the same engage the viewers.

On the other hand Mini Mathur is the continuing factor on the show. She has earned viewers’ trust by being a close confidante of the contestants over the last two seasons. Her bubbly and vivacious nature not only helps her build a strong bond with the contestants, but with the viewers too.

Hussain Kuwajirwala and Mini Mathur

Indian Idol 3 will witness two new judges; Alisha Chinai and Udit Narayan. Commenting on the new judges, Sandiip Sikcand, Chief Creative Director, Sony Entertainment Television, said, “Indian Idol aims to showcase the biggest singing talent from across the nation in the most entertaining and involving manner. This season, the focus of the judges would be to help us find that “One Voice” that will be the pride of the nation. Indian Idol third season will offer a combination of great singing talent and entertainment for our viewers.”

Alisha Chinai

Indian Idol 3 will witness two new judges; Alisha Chinai and Udit Narayan. Better known as the ‘Kajra Re’ girl, who made the nation dance to her tune with this chartbuster. She is one of the pioneers of pop music in India. Her album ‘Made in India’ created history and ushered new trends in pop music thereafter.

Udit Narayan

Our second judge, is an extremely talented male playback singer who is known for his silken voice. Udit Narayan not only sings in thirty languages but also has been acclaimed for every kind of melody – be it soulful, romantic, fast-paced and recently, even pop. He is known for his versatile tone, which appears to flawlessly suit every Indian hero on screen today. With 3 National awards and scores of other awards to his credit, Udit Narayan possesses one of the largest arrays of hit songs in the industry.

Anu Malik

Last but not the least our third judge, Anu Maliik is one of the most successful and multi-talented music directors of today. His straight talking coupled with his ‘singing shayari comments’ has always managed to keep the contestants at ease, making him one of the most talked about judges of Indian Idol. Together they are all set on a journey to ultimately find that ‘Woh Ek Awaaz Jispar Ho Desh Ko Naaz’.

Javed Akthar

And with them is arguably the very best lyricist, writer Javed Akhtar Saab! Javed Saab’s inclusion is a very welcome sign because he is the voice of reason and experience. It would be interesting to note that Javed Saab started out as a film-writer with his friend and partner Salim Khan and they have an impressive number of hits under their belt but they might be best known for their film ‘Sholay’. Javed Saab started his career as a lyricist with the film ‘Silsila’, Soundtrack of which is still extremely popular with Indians and has never looked back!

Indian Idol the hugely popular adaptation of the blockbuster ‘Pop Idol’ format took the nation by storm in its very first season and followed that with an equally popular season 2. While Indian Idol served as the intimate platform for budding singers from across the nation to realize their dreams, the show went on to become the most entertaining and involving show to hit Indian television. In keeping with its philosophy of offering innovative and distinct content, Sony Entertainment Television, is now all set to launch the third series of this groundbreaking phenomenon, Indian Idol with an even bigger bang!

Auditions

This time around, the show promises to bring to the viewers the best singing talent from across the country. To make this possible auditions will be held across the country in 12 cities— Jodhpur – Bhubaneshwar (Feb 15th), Hyderabad- Amritsar (Feb 18th), Srinagar- Nagpur (Feb 21st), Baroda (Feb 27th & 28th), Bhopal (March 7th & 8th), Kanpur (March 12th & 13th), Delhi (March 17th, 18th & 19th), Kolkata (March 24th, 25th & 26th), Mumbai (March 31st , 1st & 2nd April)

To make participation universal and allow for easy registration the channel has set up multiple gateways. Budding aspirants between the ages of 16-30 can realize their dreams by calling to register for a place in any of the above audition centers. The following are the no.s for registration:

* SMS Idol to 2525
* call 5052525 and say Idol (available only on select networks)
* Dial 1255525 (BSNL landline & mobile users which is applicable to all cities)

Lines open from February 10th.

One Crore Contract

This year too Indian Idol will give the people of this nation the opportunity to chase their dreams and the power to make one talented aspirant ‘ Bharat Ki Shaan’. In addition to a recording contract with Sony BMG, the ‘Indian Idol’ will be awarded a contract with Sony Entertainment Television worth Rupees One Crore, thus catapulting him/her to unparalleled stardom, fame and fortune.

Highlighting the essence of this worldwide phenomenon, geared to hit India once more, Albert Almeida, Executive Vice President & Business Head, Sony Entertainment Television, said, “As witnessed in the last two seasons of Indian Idol the third season too promises to take viewer engagement and interactivity to even greater heights while catapulting the Indian Idol into ultimate stardom. This year too, the channel will give talented singers from across the nation the platform to realize their dreams and put fame and fortune within their reach while offering distinctive, breakthrough entertainment. Indian Idol will showcase the best singing talent from across the nation via a 12-city audition. The journey of finding Bharat Ki Shaan—Indian Idol 3 will enthrall the Indian audiences and help them connect, leading to extreme involvement and mass frenzy.”

A production of such magnitude warrants only the best in the industry to make it happen. Sony Entertainment Television is once again partnering with one of the country’s leading production houses – Miditech Pvt Ltd, the international company – Fremantle Media who are the license holders to the format Indian Idol 3.

So get ready to select Bharat Ki Shaan - Indian Idol

‘Chahiye Woh Ek Awaaz Jispar Ho Desh Ko Naaz’!

Indian Idol 1

Indian Idol was brought to India by Sony Entertainment Television, as part of the popular show format, titled ‘Idol’, that has created television history across the world. The first season of show gave India its first ever Indian Idol - Abhijeet Sawant and also tapped hidden musical talent from the nation’s small towns.

Indian Idol created a platform, which is now the goal of every aspiring contestant who dreams to become a singer. With a respected jury in the form of Farah Khan, Anu Malik and Sonu Nigam, and the ever-friendly hosts Aman Yatan Verma and Mini Mathur, Indian Idol has become a rage for music lovers and television viewers across the subcontinent.

Some Statistics about Indian Idol Season 1
. Hooked 55 Million Viewers
. Recorded over 5.5 Crore Votes
. Aapka Abhijeet Sawant, the album, sold over 9 lakh copies, making it the highest selling album in the last five years

The last 12 finalists are thought to have a good chance of finding a place in the Indian music industry and films. For example, Rahul Saxena, who failed to make it to the top 6, has been offered a song by Indian Idol judge and director, Farah Khan, in her new film Om Shanti Om and Amit Tandon got work in a new serial from Ekta Kapoor and Balaji Telefilms.

Indian Idol 2

The Indian Idol Series 2 was announced on Sony Entertainment Television in the month of August 2005 when aspiring singers and artists were informed about the comeback of the show.

The winner of the second season of Indian Idol was Sandeep Acharya.

Many of the top 10 contestants have commenced their singing careers. Neha Kakkar has rendered a song for a pop album where she sings “Chandani Raatein”. Yashashree Bhave has tied the knot and settled down, teaching students music at her home. Panna Gill is doing stage shows.

Eliminated contestant Meenal Jain has done stage shows with Sonu Nigam and also received an offer from Anu Malik. In addition, Antara Mitra, a regular favorite of Anu Malik, has also been presented an offer from many music directors and also is recording her solo album. Antara also gets to sing a duet with the Indian Idol in his album for being the top female contestant. Monali Thakur, has sung for Preity Zinta in the movie Jaaneman(2006), as promised by Anu Malik. There is also an album being made with the top five (which consists of Sandeep Acharya, NC Karunya, Antara Mitra, Anuj Sharma, and Amey Date.)