The long-lasting music platform, ‘Pakistan Idol’, celebrates contemporary expertise, mentorship, and musical desires
After an eleven yr hole Pakistan Idol has returned to tv, positioning itself as a platform for undiscovered expertise from throughout the nation and a take a look at of whether or not a actuality present in Pakistan can ship on advantage. The second season brings collectively contestants from cities comparable to Sukkur, Multan and Karachi, a lot of whom are stepping onto a nationwide stage for the primary time. For them, the present represents a uncommon alternative to be judged alongside friends slightly than by connections.
The unique Pakistan Idol aired in 2013 as a part of the worldwide Idol franchise, with Zamad Baig rising because the winner. The present then disappeared with out a second season, making its 2024 comeback a carefully watched second for music audiences. This season’s judging panel contains Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Bilal Maqsood, Zeb Bangash, and Fawad Khan, a lineup meant to lend credibility to the competitors.
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has described the present as greater than a performance-based contest. In accordance with him, the main focus is on coaching and improvement slightly than simply televised success. “Pakistan Idol isn’t just about singing,” he stated. “It’s about coaching artists. We educate them the finer nuances of music.”
Producers say the present is designed to handle long-standing issues round actuality tv, notably allegations of biased scripted eliminations and unreliable voting programs. “Pakistan Idol is 100% natural and unbiased,” stated Tanveer Afridi, the present’s Expertise Director, whereas talking to The Specific Tribune. “We aren’t allowed to indicate desire for any contestant. Judges make impartial choices, and we cross-check them with public voting. Up to now no determination has been biased.”
Regardless of these assurances, controversy has adopted the season. Senior singer Humaira Arshad and veteran actor Sangeeta publicly criticised the judging panel, notably Fawad Khan. One of many Prime 16 contestants M. Abrar Shahid introduced on social media that he was withdrawing from the competitors. “I used to be not given a good alternative,” Shahid stated in a video submit, which he later deleted. The manufacturing workforce has rejected these claims, sustaining that the method stays clear and in line with the foundations of the competitors.
Among the many contestants who superior to the Prime 16 is Waqar Hussain from Karachi’s Korangi space. Hussain, who comes from a musical household, has emerged as one of many notable performers this season. Hussain’s father Imdad Hussain is a sitar participant, whereas his brother Ashfaq Hussain is related to Sufi music. “Pakistan Idol has introduced a significant change in my life. This platform has not solely given me recognition however has additionally strengthened my perception in my desires,” he stated.
Former season one choose Bushra Ansari commented on the present lineup, praising the standard of voices rising from totally different areas. “Pakistan Idol is bringing ahead good singers,” she stated. “These youngsters are melodious and in tune.” She singled out contestant Hira Qaiser, including, “I watch these youngsters on TikTok, they sing superbly. In Faisalabad, melody is scattered all over the place.”
Auditions held in cities comparable to Sukkur and Multan reportedly attracted 1000’s of members, together with numerous younger girls, which producers describe as a major shift. “It was extremely encouraging to see ladies coming ahead from cities like Multan and Sukkur,” Afridi stated. “Pakistan Idol has boosted their confidence.”
Because the season progresses, the present’s reception continues to play out on social media platforms the place clips flow into broadly and public opinion varieties shortly. “We now have confirmed that the perfume of our music is exclusive,” Afridi stated.
With gala rounds ongoing, together with a marriage season-themed episode that aired final week, Pakistan Idol continues its try and re-establish itself as a nationwide platform for rising voices.
