Kolkata:
As Indian Idol enters its sixthseason, the three judges say the focus this year will be onthe power of the voice and not the looks.
"It is a complete misconception that we are lookingfor a good singer who looks good. We only want voice," SalimMerchant, Indian Idol 6 judge and Bollywood music director,told PTI here.
Over 1.5 lakh contestants from all over the countryhave registered themselves through SMSes and online ever sincethe registration process for entering the show opened thismonth.
Musician Anu Malek, who has been a judge on the showever since its debut on television, says looks can be an addedbonus only when it accompanies musical talent.
"I am not looking for a girl who looks beautiful. If thatcomes with your voice, it can be an added bonus. But for me,voice matters and nothing else," he says.
Bollywood playback singer Sunidhi Chauhan, who was ajudge in the last season as well, says her full concentrationwill be on locating and nurturing singing qualities among thecontestants.
"Just sing well and sing from the core of your heart.All other talents can come later," the 28-year-old says addingthat she hasn't joined the show to judge the performance ofother vocalists.
"I am not here as a judge to impose my opinion onanybody, but I am here to support new talent. I feel glad whena contestant says that she has been inspired by me," saysSunidhi.
Malek is happy that Indian Idol aspirants are comingwith a good background of Indian classical music.
"The young girls are not coming up with some hip-hopnumbers. They want a Lata-type song or a classical-based song.It's good to see youngsters going back to their roots," hesays.
When asked, Salim Merchant of the Salim-Sulaimanbrother duo, says a versatile singer will fit the bill to winIndia's most popular musical reality show.
"I want a singer who can sing all kinds of songs.Besides the ability to sing 'filmi' songs, a knowledge ofWestern music, he has to have a feel in his voice. But a graspover Indian classical music is the minimum expected," he says.
"It is a complete misconception that we are lookingfor a good singer who looks good. We only want voice," SalimMerchant, Indian Idol 6 judge and Bollywood music director,told PTI here.
Over 1.5 lakh contestants from all over the countryhave registered themselves through SMSes and online ever sincethe registration process for entering the show opened thismonth.
Musician Anu Malek, who has been a judge on the showever since its debut on television, says looks can be an addedbonus only when it accompanies musical talent.
"I am not looking for a girl who looks beautiful. If thatcomes with your voice, it can be an added bonus. But for me,voice matters and nothing else," he says.
Bollywood playback singer Sunidhi Chauhan, who was ajudge in the last season as well, says her full concentrationwill be on locating and nurturing singing qualities among thecontestants.
"Just sing well and sing from the core of your heart.All other talents can come later," the 28-year-old says addingthat she hasn't joined the show to judge the performance ofother vocalists.
"I am not here as a judge to impose my opinion onanybody, but I am here to support new talent. I feel glad whena contestant says that she has been inspired by me," saysSunidhi.
Malek is happy that Indian Idol aspirants are comingwith a good background of Indian classical music.
"The young girls are not coming up with some hip-hopnumbers. They want a Lata-type song or a classical-based song.It's good to see youngsters going back to their roots," hesays.
When asked, Salim Merchant of the Salim-Sulaimanbrother duo, says a versatile singer will fit the bill to winIndia's most popular musical reality show.
"I want a singer who can sing all kinds of songs.Besides the ability to sing 'filmi' songs, a knowledge ofWestern music, he has to have a feel in his voice. But a graspover Indian classical music is the minimum expected," he says.
