The 16th edition of Indian Idol, which premiered on 18 October 2025, under the theme “Yaadon Ki Playlist”, is once again turning the spotlight on hope-filled voices and emotional journeys. The show brings together nostalgia for the golden era of 90s music and fresh talent aiming to make their mark.
Update: Indian Idol Season 16 has since concluded. See who won the trophy.
Judges of Indian Idol 16
The judging panel this year brings together three powerhouse names of the Indian music industry:
- Shreya Ghoshal – The melody queen known for her flawless vocals and deep emotional connection with music.
- Vishal Dadlani – The energetic composer-singer who brings technical precision and modern perspective.
- Badshah – The hit-maker and rapper, known for identifying stage charisma and fresh performance energy.
The trio’s chemistry has already become a talking point, balancing technical feedback, emotional warmth, and fun banter.
Top 16 Contestants of Indian Idol 2025
| Name | Age | City | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diwakar Choubey | 23 | Gurgaon | Top 16 |
| Manraj Veer | 25 | Delhi | Top 16 |
| Tanishk Shukla | 26 | Jabalpur | Top 16 |
| Amritha Rajan | 29 | Kochi | Top 16 |
| Ankita Pradhan | 16 | Purba Medinipur | Top 16 |
| Banashree Bishwas | 17 | Raiganj | Top 16 |
| Suhail Sufi | 18 | Delhi | Top 16 |
| Manav | 23 | Batala | Top 15 |
| Jyotirmayee Nayak | 24 | Bhubaneswar | Top 16 |
| Sugandha Date | 21 | Mumbai | Top 16 |
| Vishwanath Haveri | 24 | Dharwad | Top 16 |
| Anshika Chonkar | 25 | Mumbai | Top 16 |
| Abhishek Kumar | 23 | Jabalpur | Top 16 |
| Shreenidhi Shastry | 22 | Bengaluru | Top 16 |
| Arfin Rana | 27 | Kolkata | Top 16 |
| Abhijeet Sharma | 17 | Ambala | Top 16 |
Also see: List of all Indian Idol Judges
Where to Watch Indian Idol Season 16?
You can tune in to Sony TV every Saturday and Sunday at 8 PM, or catch all episodes anytime on Sony LIV.
The Top 16 contestants of Indian Idol Season 16 represent India’s musical heartbeat—diverse, passionate, and full of dreams. With every episode, the competition only gets tougher and the performances more breathtaking. Whether you’re a fan of soulful Sufi, high-energy Bollywood, or folk-inspired melodies, this season promises something for everyone.
Stay tuned as these 16 voices sing their way into the nation’s heart – and maybe even into your playlist.
Continue reading: Indian Idol Legends Return start date and judge
