Shafaat to host Pakistan Idol 2025
The wait is over and the name is Syed Shafaat Ali, the show host network announced on its website. "Known for lighting up every stage, adding colour to every gathering and making every show memorable, Ali is now ready to bring his charm and boundless energy to Pakistan Idol 2025," it said.
The show's grand comeback has already sparked excitement nationwide. A huge number of young talents are uploading their auditions, eager to showcase their singing skills, while the judges for this mega music competition have already been announced.
An MHL presentation on Geo TV, the show's grand comeback has already sparked excitement nationwide. Pakistan Idol is returning with a new panel of judges: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, former Strings member Bilal Maqsood, vocalist Zeb Bangash and actor Fawad Khan, after 11 years.
Pakistan Idol is an adaptation of the British musical talent show Pop Idol and first aired in 2014 on Geo TV, attracting thousands of viewers and participants from across the country. Junoon's Ali Azmat, actor Bushra Ansari, and singer Hadiqa Kiani served as judges. Zamad Baig from Lahore was crowned winner of the season.
Zoya Merchant, director of MHL Global, responsible for streaming the show across five TV networks, said in an interview with Variety, "Pakistan has incredible musical talent, and this platform will not only spotlight it nationwide but elevate it to the global stage."
Pakistan Idol launched careers. "It advertises you," said Waqas Ali Vicky, a contestant from Season One, in an interview with the Lifestyle desk at The Express Tribune. "You are musically groomed when you go to this show."
One of the finalists of the competition, Rose Marie, said, "Every artist wants a boost in their career and Pakistan Idol is a stage where all of the country can watch them and appreciate them. Something at such a big scale in Pakistan was amazing and the management was great too. "Pakistan-specific travel guideBest headphones deals
The show has helped young artists learn by experimenting with genres. "All of us boys who went into Pakistan Idol were raw talent," said Vicky. "We learned how to dress ourselves. There are people to teach you and there is an environment where everyone is focused upon their music only. Everyone has different music styles so you observe and learn to experiment from each other."
Pakistan Idol has proven helpful in making industry connections. "I got to know a lot of people from the set, and later continued to stay in touch with them," said Marie. "These people gave me a lot of work. I did original soundtracks for dramas, film songs, and advertisements."
Through Pakistan Idol, these emerging artists were able to find a community. Vicky did not belong to a musical family and the show helped him build a sense of identity. "Your name gets attached to this platform and people start getting to know you," he said. "They start to follow you from around the world and you stay engaged with your fans this way. In Pakistan, an opportunity like this becomes a great chance for gully boys who want to do music at an international level."Online TV streaming servicesPakistan-specific travel guide
The show aims to launch online auditions and casting calls, and a premiere date will be announced soon.
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Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Shafaat to host Pakistan Idol 2025
The buzz of the Pakistan's biggest music competition, Pakistan Idol, is once again resounding loudly across the country, as fans have been wondering who will host this electrifying season The wait is over and the name is Syed Shafaat Ali, the show host network announced on its website. "Known for lighting up every stage, adding colour to every gathering and making every show memorable, Ali is now ready to bring his charm and boundless energy to Pakistan Idol 2025," it said. The show's grand comeback has already sparked excitement nationwide. A huge number of young talents are uploading their auditions, eager to showcase their singing skills, while the judges for this mega music competition have already been announced. An MHL presentation on Geo TV, the show's grand comeback has already sparked excitement nationwide. Pakistan Idol is returning with a new panel of judges: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, former Strings member Bilal Maqsood, vocalist Zeb Bangash and actor Fawad Khan, after 11 years. Pakistan Idol is an adaptation of the British musical talent show Pop Idol and first aired in 2014 on Geo TV, attracting thousands of viewers and participants from across the country. Junoon's Ali Azmat, actor Bushra Ansari, and singer Hadiqa Kiani served as judges. Zamad Baig from Lahore was crowned winner of the season. Zoya Merchant, director of MHL Global, responsible for streaming the show across five TV networks, said in an interview with Variety, "Pakistan has incredible musical talent, and this platform will not only spotlight it nationwide but elevate it to the global stage." Pakistan Idol launched careers. "It advertises you," said Waqas Ali Vicky, a contestant from Season One, in an interview with the Lifestyle desk at The Express Tribune. "You are musically groomed when you go to this show." One of the finalists of the competition, Rose Marie, said, "Every artist wants a boost in their career and Pakistan Idol is a stage where all of the country can watch them and appreciate them. Something at such a big scale in Pakistan was amazing and the management was great too. "Pakistan-specific travel guideBest headphones deals The show has helped young artists learn by experimenting with genres. "All of us boys who went into Pakistan Idol were raw talent," said Vicky. "We learned how to dress ourselves. There are people to teach you and there is an environment where everyone is focused upon their music only. Everyone has different music styles so you observe and learn to experiment from each other." Pakistan Idol has proven helpful in making industry connections. "I got to know a lot of people from the set, and later continued to stay in touch with them," said Marie. "These people gave me a lot of work. I did original soundtracks for dramas, film songs, and advertisements." Through Pakistan Idol, these emerging artists were able to find a community. Vicky did not belong to a musical family and the show helped him build a sense of identity. "Your name gets attached to this platform and people start getting to know you," he said. "They start to follow you from around the world and you stay engaged with your fans this way. In Pakistan, an opportunity like this becomes a great chance for gully boys who want to do music at an international level."Online TV streaming servicesPakistan-specific travel guide The show aims to launch online auditions and casting calls, and a premiere date will be announced soon.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Express Tribune
Oasis criticised in Korea over 'Rising Sun' flag imagery in ‘Morning Glory' video ahead of tour
British rock band Oasis is facing criticism from Korean fans after posting a new 'Morning Glory' visualiser on its official social media that featured imagery resembling the Rising Sun flag. The video includes a recurring yellow sun with radiating rays, appearing across buildings, landscapes and graphic backgrounds. Many viewers linked the design to the Rising Sun flag, a symbol associated with Japanese imperialism. Korean and international fans left critical comments such as 'Seriously? Rising Sun flag??' and 'You should study history before your Asia tour.' Others highlighted the timing of the release, with one remarking, 'Using such images before coming to Korea is reckless,' referring to the band's scheduled 30th-anniversary concert in Korea this October. The Rising Sun flag was historically used during World War II as a military emblem by Japan, representing imperialist expansion and colonial rule. In countries including Korea and China, it is regarded as a reminder of war crimes and wartime aggression. As of now, Oasis has not issued a statement or removed the video. Calls from Korean fans for an apology and deletion continue to grow, with the situation attracting significant online attention. This is not the first time the band has been criticised by Korean audiences in recent months. In July, member Liam Gallagher drew backlash after posting 'ChingChong' on social media, a term widely considered a racial slur. Gallagher later clarified, 'It was not posted intentionally; I'm sorry if I upset anyone. I love you all and do not discriminate. I spread peace and love.'
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Express Tribune
Global voices, Chinese stage
Singer 2025 is known for inviting international singers such as Grace Kinstler and Jesse Lee to participate and grow their popularity in China. photos: file The popular Chinese singing competition "Singer 2025" saw singers battle it out over the weekend in a live final where international finalists outnumbered their Chinese rivals for the first time. Chen Chusheng, who is from the Chinese mainland, claimed the top spot after competing with six other singers – Shan Yichun from the Chinese mainland, A-Lin from Taiwan, Mickey Guyton and Grace Kinstler from the United States, Jess Lee from Malaysia, and BENI from Japan. "Singer 2025," hosted by Hunan TV and Mango TV, featured established singers who compete against one another in a live-broadcast format each Friday. Their performances are judged by audience members and online viewers, and those with the fewest votes risk being eliminated to make room for new challengers. The hit show is known for inviting international singers to participate and grow their popularity in China, with British pop singer Jessie J being one of the show's most successful international contestants to date, scooping the top spot in the 2018 season. The latest season featured a powerful international line-up of contestants and guest artists, including Canadian singer Michael Bublé, Alexia Evellyn from Brazil, and American singers Charlie Puth and Jordan Smith, in addition to the finalists. "I've been deeply moved by how openly they express their love for the artists," Grace Kinstler said, referring to the Chinese audience. She received an invitation to participate in the show after she joined the cohort of "TikTok refugees" to post on China's Xiaohongshu app earlier this year. "The show motivates me to keep going, and it gives me even more ammunition," said the 24-year-old vocalist. "I wouldn't trade the experience for anything." Mickey Guyton, who ranked second in the final, describes her experience on the show as "life-changing." She and her family took the chance to visit China for the first time, sampling Chinese snacks, trying on traditional attire and relishing other cultural experiences. The well-known country music singer also said she was most impressed by how her Chinese audience interacted with her. "The Chinese audience is incredible. They are so open, emotional, accepting and encouraging," she said. "I absolutely have plans to continue to come and stay connected with the Chinese audience." "Singer 2025" has aired since May 16. According to Globe News Wire, the show has aired 12 episodes before the grand finale, titled "King of Singers". The final consisted of two rounds: duet ranking competition, and a solo ranking competition, with each round contributing 50% to the final score. Over nearly four months, the international singers have gained much from this musical journey. Chinese singers share traditional musical elements in their songs, while foreign singers introduce their unique creative styles, discussing different cultural expressions of music and attempting to blend their musical cultures. Outside the show, the international singers have explored China deeply, immersing themselves in traditional culture and experiencing the unique charm of Eastern aesthetics and the warmth of Chinese hospitality. (XINHUA WITH INPUT FROM NEWS DESK)
