It was the battle for the best voice in the City. And this time around, there were six young boys and girls who wanted just one title, Voice of Bangalore. The month long talent-hunt show, Voice of Bangalore — Season 3, which had contributed many playback singers to the Kannada film industry, came to an end on Saturday at the Garuda Mall.
The evening saw three celebrity judges, Kunal Ganjawalla, Yograj Bhat and Mano Murthy, who gave their expert advice and tips to young singers. Without wasting any time, the show began with the first round, where participants rendered Kannada film songs. This was followed by a selection of Hindi film songs in the second round and the evening ended with a duet round.
First to participate was Sahana, who the judges said had an ‘original voice’. She sang Ee Hasiru from the movie Nagamandala, but was advised to polish her diction in the second round. Raising the bar was Vyasaraja, who sang Aatave Hudagatave from the film Hatavadi. He impressed the judges much in the second round with his version of Tanhaai. This was then followed by Swarna Rathod, who did a commendable job with Shilegalu Sangeethava Hadide, despite not knowing the language. The judges appreciated her efforts and Kunal went on to say that she would go a long way.
Samsher tried to strike a chord with the judges by singing Ello Male from Yograj Bhat's Manasare. Though the judges were impressed, they felt that he could have done a better a job.
The very bubbly Akankasha took advantage of her strength and sang the energetic number Chikku Bukku Railu from Jogi. The final contestant Vikas, who many have heard in the title number in Manasare, sang the popular Neene Sakida Gini from the film Manasa Sarovara. He decided to render his all-time favourite-song Mein Jahaan Rahoon in the second round. The duets, too were enjoyed by the judges.
In a way, all six finalists were already winners because within a month, they managed to bring in a jam-packed audience and fans who were screaming out their names. Ultimately, the judges gave the Voice of Bangalore - Male title to Vyasaraja while Swarna won the Voice of Bangalore - Female. Both contestants won Maruthi A Star Car, diamond jewellery and other branded merchandise.