The 16th season of Indian Idol, themed “Yaadon Ki Playlist”, introduced several exciting twists while staying true to its objective of discovering musical talent across India.
One of the standout features this season is the continuation of the Platinum Mic, a special golden-ticket-style honour that guarantees the recipient a spot in the Top 16. According to Season 16’s official info, each of the three regular judges had the power to award one Platinum Mic during the audition phase.
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Remarkably, a fourth Platinum Mic was given – breaking the rule – when the judges unanimously awarded it to an exceptional performer.
Also see: Indian Idol 16 Contestants with Photos
The winners of the Platinum Mic were:
- Diwakar Choubey (first mic)
- Manraj Veer (second mic)
- Abhishek Kumar (third mic)
- Anshika Chonkar (the fourth mic)
These four were fast-tracked into the Top 16, skipping further elimination in the early rounds thanks to the Platinum Mic. This strategic move reflects the show’s recognition of exceptional talent and the producers’ willingness to shake up the format slightly for memorable moments.
For contestants and viewers alike, winning the Platinum Mic carries significant prestige. It not only signals validation from the judges but also provides a competitive edge by securing a high-priority spot in the competition’s next phase.
As the season unfolds, it will be interesting to see how this advantage plays out: whether Platinum Mic recipients maintain their momentum, how they measure up against contestants who advance via regular auditions and theatre rounds, and how the audience vote dynamics unfold.
Platinum Mic Winners – Indian Idol Season 16
| Name | Age | Hometown | Platinum Mic Order |
| Diwakar Choubey | 23 | Gurgaon | 1st |
| Manraj Veer | 25 | Delhi | 2nd |
| Abhishek Kumar | 23 | Jabalpur | 3rd |
| Anshika Chonkar | 21 | Mumbai | 4th |
