Like any other year, the Idol is a mix-match of singers from different backgrounds but one thing that clearly stands out this year is the level of talent. It has never happened before that all the contestants have performed so well in the 'piano round' (refers to the first performance on Idol stage on national television, the start of the viewers voting system). The viewers have voted and now it is left to seen who makes it to the Top 12. I have been scratching my head trying to figure out who will make it, going by own calculation of who I thought performed better, since no single performance could be termed bad. So, here's my verdict, my own Top 12:
(in random order)
Manisha: Her 'Solemiya..' performance was flawless. She has amazing stage presence, confidence and a great vocal chord to match.
Vishwas: His rendition of 'Jalwa..' could even be termed at par with the original singer. There is a lot of confidence and voice quality which is very expressive. One could feel the words as he sang them. And he added his own touch to the song, which bowled over the judges as well!
Arpita: From the first note she hit to the last, her 'Khalbali..' was a power-packed performance. Definitely someone to watch out for.
Shashi: He jazzed up the atmosphere with his own take of A R Rahman's composed and sung title track from 'Jaane Tu Ya, Jaane Na..'. It was playful, fun and very jazzy!! Having a more classical inclination, this performance showed his versatility.
Naushad: It was an easy performance by Naushad. He sung Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's 'More Piya To Hai Pardes.." with such ease, so effortlessly. Deserving of the Top 12, no doubt!
Swaroop: The most 'stand-out' performance in the Top 16 was Swaroop's. His obvious physical appearance notwithstanding, the change of track from a complete folk background didn't show as he sung the filmy number 'Jaoon Kaha..' from Billoo Barber. Now it is left to see if he can do an item song, and as he said he is ready for the challenge!
Sreeram: A known singer in the south, expectations were high from him and he delivered. He sung the hugely popular yet difficult song to sing 'Guzarish...' as Salim pointed out there is very little scope for taking breaths in the song. A breathless performance!
Rakesh: He breezed through his performance with a smile, hitting the right notes of Rabbi Shergill's 'Tere Bin.." and striking the right chords with the judges and audience like.
Bhoomi: When she performed the song 'Hare Rama, Hare Krishna..' from the same film, it reminded me of Nihira Joshi, a contestant in Sa Re Ga Ma Pa some years back. She had sung it impeccably, hitting the high and the low notes with equal ease. Bhoomi performed well, but couldn't match up to Nihira. But it was good enough for her to be in my Top 12.
Lakshay: Although he sang 'Aye Khuda..' quite well, he brought more power to it and less emotion. Salim, who had sung it for 'Paathshaala' rightly stated that the song is like a request and so needed that soft touch. However, he was good. Period.
Shivam: He matched up his idol, Sonu Nigaam, in the song 'Halka-halka sa ye nasha..' and that is enough for him to sail through to the next round.
Yashraj: His 'Tum mile..' was the first performance of the second Top 16 night and he did not disappoint....................
Asit, Meghna, Kanika and Tia did not make it to my list. However, there is a good enough chance that Tia may come through. Her 'Shut up and bounce..' performance was something remarkable and the singing was a bit shaky in parts but really good otherwise. Meghna also stands a chance, since she held the emotion in the song 'Maeri Main Kaase Kahoon...' throughout her performance. Asit may make it only if the audience go by the popularity of the song ('Tu jaane na..') sung. His version of the song needed a lot of effort to listen to for me. Kanika however goes to my 'surely certain of not making it' list. Her performance, though good, could not come up to the level that the rest had set.
(Images courtesy: setindia)
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