Indian Idol
Indian Idol 16Shreya GhoshalVishal Dadlani

Indian Idol 16 Shake-Up: Udit Narayan a 4th Judge, Not Host? Show Premieres Oct 18

Anamika Rajput | 2 min read | 1 month ago | Oct 12, 2025 06:40 pm IST
Indian Idol 16 Shake-Up: Udit Narayan a 4th Judge, Not Host? Show Premieres Oct 18

So, you think you know what’s coming with the new season of Indian Idol? Think again. There’s a huge question mark hanging over the show before it even airs, and it’s all about one legendary name: Udit Narayan. Is he the new host, or is he something else entirely?

Here’s the thing. Most reports have been saying that the iconic singer is taking over hosting duties for Indian Idol 16. But a new exclusive from Times Now is stirring things up, claiming he’s actually joining the panel as a fourth judge. Yeah, you read that right. This completely changes the dynamic of the show which is set to premiere on October 18, 2025.

A Whole New Vibe on Set

Whether he’s a host or a judge, Udit Narayan is joining a panel that’s already buzzing with energy. You’ve got the incredible Shreya Ghoshal and the powerhouse Vishal Dadlani returning to their chairs. And this season, they’re joined by rap superstar Badshah, which is sure to bring a fresh perspective to the competition.

But honestly, Vishal Dadlani almost didn’t come back. He revealed that a late-night, 3 AM conversation with Shreya Ghoshal, who he affectionately calls “Guplu,” was the key to his return. He was also excited to work alongside Badshah, and that camaraderie seems to be sealing the deal for a killer season.

It’s About More Than Just Singing

Get ready for some truly emotional moments. The show’s new ‘Yaadon Ki Playlist’ theme is all about blending classic hits with modern sounds, but it’s also about the stories behind the songs and the singers. In a powerful moment, Badshah was seen breaking down in tears after hearing the story of a contestant named Dharmesh, who hasn’t seen his daughter since 2019. It’s a reminder that everyone has a story.

The season will also pay a heartfelt tribute to the legendary singer Zubeen Garg, who sadly passed away on September 19, 2025. It’s a huge loss for the music world, and Vishal Dadlani called him “one of India’s greatest.”

Look, the show is packed with talent and emotion, but the mystery remains. What exactly is Udit Narayan’s role going to be? We’ll all have to tune in on October 18 to find out. What do you think? Host or judge?