Composers Vishal Dadlani and Salim Merchant, who will join actress Sonakshi Sinha on the judging panel of Indian Idol Junior, were in the city recently to handpick some young aspiring singers who will compete at the upcoming second season of children-based singing reality show. And they were truly “amazed” with the pool.
The duo were joined by singer Shalmali Kholgade, who is a special guest for the auditions round of Indian Idol Junior, which will go on air in May end on Sony Entertainment Television.
Indian Idol Junior will platform singing talent between the age group of seven to 15 years to showcase their talent on the TV.
Vishal, who is one half of the famous composer duo Vishal-Shekhar, will return as a judge on the show. He said that he was “amazed” when he saw the amount of talent that the young ones have.
“In terms of context, there is no change in this season. But the amount of talent that we have witnessed till now is exceptional. I’m totally amazed that we have such young children singing with that much grace and passion,” Dadlani said here on the second day of the Delhi auditions.
Salim of Salim-Suleiman shared similar sentiments.“I was shocked when I saw a 10-year-old singing like an adult. I feel proud to be a part of this show because these little ones are the future of India. The talent that these children are coming up with, is inspiring me. Some of them are true gems. The new generation has really evolved a lot,” said Salim, who has previously judged the fifth and sixth season of Indian Idol.
The Delhi auditions of Indian Idol Junior, which began last week (Tuesday), saw a phenomenal response.
Meanwhile, speaking about her association with Indian Idol Junior, Shalmali Kholgade of Pareshaan fame said: “I’m extremely happy to be associated with Indian Idol Junior because I love kids, who are so talented. Not only do they look like professional singers, but they also have brilliant thoughts.” She says it's a learning experience for her to absorb what children feel about music.
“As a child, they are unaware of their talent,” said the songstress, who was impressed when a girl said she will “try for the second time”if she doesn't grow up to be a singer.
For the first time, Indian Idol Junior will give a chance to the audience to be a part of the auditions through a digital process, called ‘Digital Ace’, where children can upload their audio or video performances on Sony LIV website or its app.
The auditions of Indian Idol Junior started in Kolkata on April 4. After Delhi, the audition process moves to Chandigarh and Mumbai on April 18 and April 25 respectively.