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Indian Idol, the hugely popular adaptation of the worldwide blockbuster Pop Idol format, took the nation by storm in its very First Season in 2004-2005 and followed that with an equally popular Second (2005-2006), Third (2007) and Fourth (2008-2009) Seasons. While Indian Idol served as the ultimate platform for budding singers from across the nation to realise their dreams, the show went on to become the most entertaining and involving show to hit Indian television.

In keeping with its philosophy of offering innovative and distinct content, Sony Entertainment Television, in February' 2010 announced the launch of the fifth season of this groundbreaking phenomenon, with an even bigger bang!
The Fifth season of Indian Idol started airing on Sony TV from April 26, 2010. This year, too, Indian Idol will give the people of India the opportunity to chase their dreams and the power to make one talented aspirant ‘Desh Ki Awaaz’. In addition to a recording contract with Sony BMG, the winner of ‘Indian Idol 5’ will be awarded a contract with Sony Entertainment Television worth Rs 1 crore and the contenders will each stand the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a playback singer in a forthcoming movie of Yash Raj Films, said a Press release issued by Sony Entertainment Television, thus catapulting him or her into an unparalleled stardom, fame and fortune.

The new series will see two new judges; Sunidhi Chauhan, one of the extremely talented female playback singers of the Indian film industry, created history with her "powerful, amazing, husky ... and sensuous" voice and Salim Merchant, one of the most talented music directors and singers of the country, who has been composing music for over a decade having scored for movies such as Iqbal, Chak De India, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Fashion. The third judge is none other than Anu Malik, one of the most successful and multi-talented music directors of today. His straight talking coupled with his ‘singing-shayari comments’ has always kept the contestants at ease, making him one of the most talked about judges of Indian Idol.