The Freemantle Media Idols franchise has proven a television winner around the world, and now some Indian radio stations are looking at developing their own radio version of the talent contest.
The Hindu reports that radio stations are using talent contests to build listenership and to find new talent, citing the example of playback singer Sonu Niigaam, who was a judge on Indian Idol and hosts “Life Ki Dhun” on RadioCity.
“Radio channels are coming up with many talent hunt shows. Participants shared stage with me in Big FM‘s ‘Sing with Sonu’ contest. Similarly, in Fever 104 FM‘s ‘Sing with AR Rahman’ contest winners got the chance to performed live with Rahman sahib,” Sonu told The Hindu.
On the Internet, the Idol-on-Radio idea has been taken to the logical extreme by webcaster Radio IO and its “Idols Channel”, which offers “new talent and captivating vocals from hot TV music competitions from around the world,” including performances from American Idol, Pop Idol, Australian Idol, X Factor, Rock Star, Popstars, Making of the Band, and so forth.
