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Entertainment • TV Show

Indian Idol

Indian Idol is an Indian Hindi-language singing reality television series based on the Pop Idol format.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Indian Idol is an Indian Hindi-language singing reality television series based on the Pop Idol format. It has aired on Sony Entertainment Television since 2004 and features contestants competing for the title of Indian Idol. The series has a Canadian audience through the South Asian diaspora and the international circulation of Indian television music competitions.

Format

Indian Idol is a singing competition in which contestants audition and then perform in elimination-based rounds. Viewers and judges have both played roles in the competition structure across different seasons.

Broadcast history

The series first aired in 2004 on Sony Entertainment Television and has returned in multiple seasons over the years. It has also been made available through SonyLIV for streaming.

Franchise and adaptation

The show is the Indian Hindi-language adaptation of the international Pop Idol format. It is part of a broader global reality-competition franchise centered on discovering new singing talent.

Season 16

Season 16 premiered in October 2025 with the theme "Yaadon Ki Playlist" and ran into 2026. The season featured judges Shreya Ghoshal, Vishal Dadlani and Badshah.

Key facts

  • The series began in 2004 on Sony Entertainment Television.
  • It is the Hindi-language Indian version of the Pop Idol format.
  • Contestants audition and compete as singers for the title.
  • Season 16 premiered on 18 October 2025 and concluded in July 2026.
  • The judging panel for season 16 included Shreya Ghoshal, Vishal Dadlani and Badshah.
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Canadian context

Indian Idol is relevant to Canadian readers through the South Asian diaspora and the international circulation of Indian television music competitions, which have audiences in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is Indian Idol?
Indian Idol is a Hindi-language singing reality television series from India based on the Pop Idol format.
When did Indian Idol first air?
It first aired in 2004 on Sony Entertainment Television.
What network broadcasts Indian Idol?
The series has aired on Sony Entertainment Television and has also been available on SonyLIV.
What kind of show is Indian Idol?
It is a music and reality competition in which singers compete in auditions and performance rounds.
Who were the judges in season 16?
Season 16 featured Shreya Ghoshal, Vishal Dadlani and Badshah as judges.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Idol_(Hindi_TV_series)
    Supports: Series description, latest season result, and long-running status.
  2. SonyLIV — https://www.sonyliv.com/shows/indian-idol-1700001014
    Supports: Official series overview, language, format, and season 16 details.
  3. The Telegraph India — https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/singing-reality-show-to-return-with-season-16-in-october/cid/2125381
    Supports: Season 16 premiere date, judges, and continuation of the series.
  4. TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/indian-idol/cast/1060521998/
    Supports: Series origin as the Indian version of Pop Idol and long-running broadcast details.