The search for Pakistan’s next singing sensation is back | The Express Tribune

After an eleven year gap Pakistan Idol has returned to television, positioning itself as a platform for undiscovered talent from across the country and a test of whether a reality show in Pakistan can deliver on merit. The second season brings together contestants from cities such as Sukkur, Multan and Karachi, many of whom are stepping onto a national stage for the first time. For them, the show represents a rare opportunity to be judged alongside peers rather than by connections.

The original Pakistan Idol aired in 2013 as part of the global Idol franchise, with Zamad Baig emerging as the winner. The show then disappeared without a second season, making its 2024 comeback a closely watched moment for music audiences. This season’s judging panel includes Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Bilal Maqsood, Zeb Bangash, and Fawad Khan, a lineup intended to lend credibility to the competition.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has described the show as more than a performance-based contest. According to him, the focus is on training and development rather than just televised success. “Pakistan Idol is not just about singing,” he said. “It is about training artists. We teach them the finer nuances of music.”

Producers say the show is designed to address long-standing concerns around reality television, particularly allegations of biased scripted eliminations and unreliable voting systems. “Pakistan Idol is 100% organic and unbiased,” said Tanveer Afridi, the show’s Talent Director, while speaking to The Express Tribune. “We are not allowed to show preference for any contestant. Judges make independent decisions, and we cross-check them with public voting. So far no decision has been biased.”

Despite these assurances, controversy has followed the season. Senior singer Humaira Arshad and veteran actor Sangeeta publicly criticised the judging panel, particularly Fawad Khan. One of the Top 16 contestants M. Abrar Shahid announced on social media that he was withdrawing from the competition. “I was not given a fair opportunity,” Shahid said in a video post, which he later deleted. The production team has rejected these claims, maintaining that the process remains transparent and consistent with the rules of the competition.

Among the contestants who advanced to the Top 16 is Waqar Hussain from Karachi’s Korangi area. Hussain, who comes from a musical family, has emerged as one of the notable performers this season. Hussain’s father Imdad Hussain is a sitar player, while his brother Ashfaq Hussain is associated with Sufi music. “Pakistan Idol has brought a major change in my life. This platform has not only given me recognition but has also strengthened my belief in my dreams,” he said.

Former season one judge Bushra Ansari commented on the current lineup, praising the quality of voices emerging from different regions. “Pakistan Idol is bringing forward good singers,” she said. “These children are melodious and in tune.” She singled out contestant Hira Qaiser, adding, “I watch these children on TikTok, they sing beautifully. In Faisalabad, melody is scattered everywhere.”

Auditions held in cities such as Sukkur and Multan reportedly attracted thousands of participants, including a large number of young women, which producers describe as a significant shift. “It was incredibly encouraging to see girls coming forward from cities like Multan and Sukkur,” Afridi said. “Pakistan Idol has boosted their confidence.”

As the season progresses, the show’s reception continues to play out on social media platforms where clips circulate widely and public opinion forms quickly. “We have proven that the fragrance of our music is unique,” Afridi said.

With gala rounds ongoing, including a wedding season-themed episode that aired last week, Pakistan Idol continues its attempt to re-establish itself as a national platform for emerging voices.