Sony Vizha launches Tamil Idol, the first Tamil version of the global singing competition, with A.R. Rahman, Andrea Jeremiah, Karthik, and Benny Dayal as judges. Aspiring singers aged 14-30 auditioned via Sony LIV and in Chennai. The show aims to spotlight Tamil talent and culture, competing with Vijay TV's Super Singer.
Sony Pictures Networks India is set to launch the Tamil entertainment channel Sony Vizha on October 19, and one of the two shows chosen to open the schedule is Tamil Idol, the first Tamil version of the Idol singing competition.
A.R. Rahman leads the search for a new voice from Tamil Nadu, with actor-singer Andrea Jeremiah and playback singers Karthik and Benny Dayal on the judges' panel. Fremantle India co-produces the series, which will air on Sony Vizha and stream on Sony LIV. Aspiring singers have been invited to audition through the Sony LIV app since August 18.
Rahman announced the start of auditions in August, asking singers across the state to apply. An in-person round followed in Chennai on August 23, at Velammal Vidyalaya Annexure in Mel Ayanambakkam, open to contestants aged 14 to 30.
The Idol format was created by Simon Fuller and began as Pop Idol in the UK, before American Idol and a string of other versions across the world followed. Sony Entertainment Television has run the Indian edition, Indian Idol, since 2004, and regional adaptations have since appeared, among them Telugu Indian Idol.
Tamil Idol will be showcased in Sony Vizha's flagship international format, and the channel has said the show will sit alongside local talent and culture. The series also enters a space long occupied by Vijay TV's Super Singer, which has run for years.
Sony also stated that the panel combines technical mastery, stage energy and a modern musical sensibility.
Sony Vizha goes live on October 19 at 8 pm, with Tamil Idol part of the launch line-up alongside Celebrity MasterChef Tamil, featuring Samantha Ruth Prabhu. The show's episode date and time slot are yet to be announced.