Small town means big talent: Idol judges

** Another Idol article..my my, the publicity is amazing...good for you Sonu! every indian idol article has something said by him...and its just great...read on...

Shirin Abbas
Lucknow, October 21: The brickbats have been coming more frequently than the bouquets over the auditions for the Indian Idol II in Lucknow but the report card for the City of Nawabs is more than promising, if judges views are to be believed.

“I’m very pleasantly surprised with the high quality of talent coming in from smaller cities this time round. The performances have been excellent and some very, very outstanding singers,” says Anu Malik.


“I guess the second time round people are more familiar with the format and have a better idea of what to expect. They also understand that it is a very big platform and can give them the kind of inroads into the music industry that few can imagine. The success story of Abhijeet Sawant and Amit Sana, Rahul Vaidya and Prajakta Shukre has spawned an entire generation who want to use this platform to attain their dreams,” says Farah Kahan also expressing her deep satisfaction with the level of performances. “ We’re really seeing some good talent from the ‘chhotey chhotey shehers’. I think the equation translates to ‘Small City Big Talent’ and we have several examples before us to stand by that maxim,” she adds.

Among the trio, Sonu Nigam is the quiet one. “I prefer to speak where I am required, he adds, visibly touched when we mention to him the fact that there are thousands outside content to walk away from the show just to get a chance to sing before him, and give up singing altogether on just his word. “That is so sweet. It is touching. I can only be grateful for that kind of public support. I guess it is that which has brought me to where I am in the film industry,” he says.

So what is it that they are looking for? Sheer vocal brilliance or an all round performer?

“I think it is very obvious that Indian Idol is all about singing talent. That’s the core competence area. All else is dispensable,” says Sonu Nigam. “The days of radio singers are over. So while the paramount need is for a good voice that can sway the hearts of millions, the fact remains that we are looking for a pop idol. Just as it is important to have a pleasing personality on the job and be careful about personal grooming, so also here too, the overall impression must be pleasant,” says Farah Khan.

“We are looking for a complete singer who can perform before the public. If you look at pop icons in the West you see they are a blend of talent, looks and personality and we too are looking for that right quality which goes into making a complete performer,” remarks Anu Malik. “Also he or she should have staying power. Yes, the contest gives you a huge platform but at the end of that it is your talent which keeps you going. The struggle goes on. It hasn’t ended. Not for Sonu, not for me. So Abhijeet Sawant and Amit Sana must remember that Indian Idol has given them a headstart and a foothold. But it’s up to them to stay on that platform,” he sums it up.



** touched??? he's touched! that's so sweet and nice of him...others might just smile and grin in their glory, but no, not Sonu...he's so nice! and talk about thousands coming to the auditions just to sing in front of him...i wish i could sing, a least a bit! i'd have run all the way to the auditions lol! but there it is. i cant sing. i can only hope for concerts to get me to him... i guess thats better than nothing....