Indian Idol
Indian Idol 16Shreya GhoshalUdit Narayan

Indian Idol 16 Mystery: Udit Narayan Named Host But Times Now Claims He’s The 4th Judge

Anamika Rajput | 3 min read | 1 month ago | Oct 08, 2025 06:44 pm IST
Indian Idol 16 Mystery: Udit Narayan Named Host But Times Now Claims He’s The 4th Judge

So, what’s really going on with Udit Narayan and Indian Idol 16? Just when you thought the lineup was set, a huge question mark appears right before the October 18 premiere. It’s the kind of last-minute drama you expect from a reality show.

Here’s the thing. We know for sure that Shreya Ghoshal, Vishal Dadlani, and Badshah are your confirmed judges. Yep, Vishal is back after saying he might leave, which is great news for fans. The show is all set to hit your screens on Sony TV, SonyLIV, and OTTplay Premium every Saturday and Sunday at 8 PM.

Judge or Host? The Reports Are Clashing

Okay, this is where it gets confusing. An exclusive report from Times Now dropped on October 8, claiming that the legendary Udit Narayan is likely joining the show as a fourth judge. Imagine that panel. It sounds incredible, right?

But hold on. On the very same day, reports from other major outlets like OTTPlay and Prabhat Khabar told a completely different story. They reported that Udit Narayan is actually stepping in to host the new season. According to them, he’s taking over for his son, Aditya Narayan, who is busy with another reality show.

So what gives? You have one source saying he’s judging, and two others saying he’s hosting. This is a massive mix-up, and nobody seems to have the final answer just yet. It’s a classic case of ‘who do you believe?’

What We Actually Know

Let’s clear the clutter and focus on what’s confirmed. Don’t worry, the core of the show is locked in and ready to go. The theme for Indian Idol 16 is “Playlist of Memories,” which means we’ll get to hear amazing new talent singing some classic yesteryear songs.

Here are the solid facts:

  • Premiere Date: October 18, 2025
  • Official Judges: Shreya Ghoshal, Vishal Dadlani, and Badshah
  • Where to Watch: Sony TV, SonyLIV, and OTTplay Premium
  • When to Watch: Every Saturday and Sunday at 8 PM
  • The Big Question: Udit Narayan’s role is either host or fourth judge.

Honestly, either role would be a huge win for the show. Udit Narayan brings decades of experience and charisma. But the conflicting reports just days before the premiere are definitely raising eyebrows. Could it be a last-minute change, or is one report simply wrong?

Looks like we’ll all have to tune in on October 18 to see where Udit Narayan actually ends up sitting – on the host’s mic or in the judge’s chair. What do you think would be a better fit for him? Let the debate begin!