'Indian Idol 6' to focus on good voice not looks

Kolkata: As 'Indian Idol' enters its sixth season, the three judges say the focus this year will be on the power of the voice and not the looks. "It is a complete misconception that we are looking for a good singer who looks good. We only want voice," Salim Merchant, 'Indian Idol 6' judge and Bollywood music director, told PTI here.

Over 1.5 lakh contestants from all over the country have registered themselves through SMSes and online ever since the registration process for entering the show opened this month.

Musician Anu Malek, who has been a judge on the show ever since its debut on television, says looks can be an added bonus only when it accompanies musical talent.

"I am not looking for a girl who looks beautiful. If that comes with your voice, it can be an added bonus. But for me, voice matters and nothing else," he says.

Bollywood playback singer Sunidhi Chauhan, who was a judge in the last season as well, says her full concentration will be on locating and nurturing singing qualities among the contestants.

"Just sing well and sing from the core of your heart. All other talents can come later," the 28-year-old says adding that she hasn't joined the show to judge the performance of other vocalists.

"I am not here as a judge to impose my opinion on anybody, but I am here to support new talent. I feel glad when a contestant says that she has been inspired by me," says Sunidhi.

Malek is happy that 'Indian Idol' aspirants are coming with a good background of Indian classical music.

"The young girls are not coming up with some hip-hop numbers. They want a Lata-type song or a classical-based song. It's good to see youngsters going back to their roots," he says.

When asked, Salim Merchant of the Salim-Sulaiman brother duo, says a versatile singer will fit the bill to win India's most popular musical reality show.

"I want a singer who can sing all kinds of songs. Besides the ability to sing 'filmi' songs, a knowledge of Western music, he has to have a feel in his voice. But a grasp over Indian classical music is the minimum expected," he says.