‘Pakistan Idol’ ready for take off

The much-awaited ‘Pakistan Idol´, a reality music show that promises to showcase talent from across the country, is ready to take off on a TV network here.

The show is a spin-off of “American Idol” which has been a huge hit in dozens of countries, including India. Geo Television Network collaborated with American Idol’s franchise company Fremantle Media to create the Pakistani version of the show.

“These talent hunt contests are a wonderful platform for aspiring singers. The competition provides opportunity for those who want their talent to be recognized,” Nasir Butt, a singer who participated in auditions, told state-run APP news agency.

The auditions for the show are presently being held in several parts of Pakistan. With a wide fan following for the “Indian Idol”, promoters in Pakistan feel that there is a market waiting to lap up the music reality show.

The launch of the show has been the talk of Pakistan for some time, with a few websites already dedicated to it. One such website, Pakistan-idol.com, has a news section, discussion forum and slot to post comments on favourite singers who are already in place for the yet-to-be-started show.

The logo of “Pakistan Idol” is a replica of the “Indian Idol” logo with the punch line “Jo Dil Jeet Ley”. Pakistani singers Abrar-ul-Haq, Hadiqa Kiyani, Ali Azmat, and Sajjad Ali will judge the show.

http://www.livemint.com/2007/11/12113433/8216Pakistan-Idol8217-re.html