Indian Idol
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Indian Idol 16 Judge Seat Drama Erupts; Udit Narayan’s New Role Sparks Audition Controversy

Anamika Rajput | 3 min read | 1 month ago | Oct 18, 2025 06:45 pm IST
Indian Idol 16 Judge Seat Drama Erupts; Udit Narayan's New Role Sparks Audition Controversy

Hold up, Indian Idol fans! You won’t believe what’s already shaking things up on Season 16. The show just kicked off on October 18, 2025, but there’s already some serious chatter, and it’s all about the judge’s seat.

Yeah, you heard that right. Turns out, a “mini-controversy” reportedly popped up during an audition episode, all centered on that crucial third judge’s spot. Who’s in the middle of it? None other than rapper Badshah and the legendary Udit Narayan.

But wait, Udit Narayan? Isn’t he usually known for singing, or maybe for his son Aditya’s hosting? Well, here’s the thing. This season, Udit Narayan has stepped into a totally new role: he’s the mentor-host. It’s like he’s symbolically taking over Aditya’s hosting shoes, but with a mentor twist. Pretty cool, huh?

So, you’ve got the iconic Vishal Dadlani, the melodious Shreya Ghoshal, and the chart-topping Badshah on the official judging panel. But with Udit Narayan’s new presence and that judge’s seat drama, you just know this season’s going to be wild. What exactly happened between Badshah and Udit during those auditions? You’ll have to tune in to find out!

Your ‘Yaadon Ki Playlist’ Awaits

Beyond the backstage drama, Season 16 promises pure nostalgia. Its theme is “Yaadon Ki Playlist,” a beautiful, heartfelt tribute to the golden era of 90s Indian music. Think about it – all those classic tunes, fresh voices, and maybe some epic throwbacks you haven’t heard in ages.

The show airs every Saturday and Sunday at 8:00 PM. So, mark your calendars! You can catch all the action live on Sony Entertainment Television in India. It’s gonna be a weekend ritual, for sure.

Watching From Afar? Here’s How!

Living outside India but craving your weekly dose of Indian Idol 16? Don’t sweat it. You’re not gonna miss a beat!

You can stream all new episodes in high definition on Sony LIV. And guess what? They’re available immediately after their TV telecast. But honestly, there’s a small catch. To access Sony LIV from outside India, you’ll need a trusted premium VPN.

Just connect your VPN to an Indian server, and boom! You’re in. While some opening episodes might be free, you’ll need a Sony LIV Premium plan for the full season, including all those epic gala rounds and exclusive content. So, get ready to subscribe if you want to see everything!

This season feels different, doesn’t it? From a surprising judge’s seat controversy involving Badshah and Udit Narayan, to a theme that’ll take you straight back to the 90s, Indian Idol 16 is already serving up a lot. Are you ready for “Yaadon Ki Playlist”? What 90s song are you hoping to hear?