Indian Idol, which took inspiration from American Idol, has been a major stage for displaying singing talent throughout India since it started in 2004. Throughout the years, the show has launched numerous singers into fame, changing their lives and professional paths. From Abhijeet Sawant to Vaibhav Gupta, every champion has made a lasting impression on the Indian music scene.
Here is the list of the winners from Seasons 1 to 14, showcasing their progress, successes, and influence.
About Indian Idol
Indian Idol is a popular Hindi singing reality show aired on Sony TV. The show is part of the Indian Idol series and is an Indian adaptation of the American Idol. Starting from 2004, it has been airing on Sony Entertainment Television.
The show quickly became popular when it was first created by Miditech Studios and its well-known producer siblings, Nirеt Alva, Nikhil J Alva, and Nivеdith Alva. The initial five seasons of the series were created by the siblings, who also had a significant part in establishing the foundation for the show’s eventual success. The production and recording of Indian Idol occur in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It streams on the SonyLIV app on Saturdays and Sundays.
List of Indian Idol Winners from All Seasons
Indian Idol is considered the foremost singing reality show in India. The Indian music industry has greatly gained from the many skilled artists showcased on the show. All competitors, including the winners, made a name for themselves in the entertainment industry. Although we may recognise some famous celebrities on the show, few of us know about the other contestants and their remarkable singing skills, which have impressed both judges and viewers.
Table of Indian Idol Winners (2004-2024)
Season | Year | Winner | Prize Money | Runners-up |
1 | 2004-05 | Abhijeet Sawant | ₹50 lakh | Amit Sana |
2 | 2005-06 | Sandeep Acharya | ₹1 crore | N. C. Karunya |
3 | 2007 | Prashant Tamang | ₹1 crore | Amit Paul |
4 | 2008-09 | Sourabhee Debbarma | ₹1 crore | Kapil Thapa |
5 | 2010 | Sreerama Chandra | ₹50 lakh | Bhoomi Trivedi, Rakesh Maini |
6 | 2012 | Vipul Mehta | ₹50 lakh | Amit Kumar, Devendra Pal Singh |
9 | 2016-17 | LV Revanth | ₹25 lakh | Khuda Baksh |
10 | 2018 | Salman Ali | ₹25 lakh | Ankush Bhardwaj |
11 | 2019-20 | Sunny Hindustani | ₹25 lakh | Rohit Shyam Raut, Ankona Mukherjee |
12 | 2020-21 | Pawandeep Rajan | ₹25 lakh | Arunita Kanjilal, Sayli Kamble |
13 | 2022-23 | Rishi Singh | ₹25 lakh | Debosmita Roy |
14 | 2023-24 | Vaibhav Gupta | ₹25 lakh | Subhadeep Das |
Journey of Indian Idol Winners
1. Abhijeet Sawant – Season 1 (2004-05)
Abhijeet Sawant, the first Indian Idol, won over millions with his expressive demeanor and soulful singing. This was a turning point in his career, from which the benchmarks of all other contestants were set. Abhijeet, who won ₹50 lakh and a contract deal with T-Series, carved a distinct niche in the world of playback and acting.
2. Sandееp Acharya – Sеason 2 (2005-06)
Sandеep Acharya, who is from Rajasthan, emerged as the winner of ₹1 crore and a Maruti Baleno car in the second season of Indian Idol. Although Sandeep had a short singing career, his beautiful voice and likable personality made him popular with many people. Sadly, his premature death in 2013 created an absence in the music community. However, his legacy as a winner of Indian Idol still endures.
3. Prashant Tamang – Sеason 3 (2007)
Prashant Tamang, an ex-police officer from Darjeeling, was the inaugural contestant from the Northeast to be victorious on Indian Idol. His success not only acknowledged his musical abilities but also sparked a socio-political campaign for Gorkhaland. Prashant’s album “Dhanyavad” struck a chord with his fans, thanks to the ₹1 crore prize money and a Maruti Suzuki SX4.
4 Sourabhее Dеbbarma – Sеason 4 (2008-09)
Sourabhee Debbarma is the first female to win Indian Idol, making history. Coming from Tripura, her win was praised for challenging gender norms in the music sector. After winning ₹1 crore, receiving a TATA Winger, and releasing her album “Meherbaan,” Sourabhee continued to motivate female singers nationwide.
5. Srееrama Chandra – Sеason 5 (2010)
With his versatile voice and captivating performances, Srеrama Chandra captured the hearts of Season 5 viewers. He achieved success by winning ₹50 lakh, a TATA Winger, and a music album deal. Srееrama is celebrated for his playback singing in Bollywood, with hits like “Subhaanallah” and “Allah Duhai Hai” connecting deeply with listeners.
6. Vipul Mеhta – Sеason 6 (2012)
Vipul Mehta’s transformation from a lover of classical music to the champion of Indian Idol Season 6 highlighted his perseverance and skills. After winning ₹50 lakh, a Nissan Micra car, a Suzuki Hayate bike, and ₹3 lakh from Max Life Insurance, Vipul’s career flourished in playback singing and live performances. His versatility was showcased through his collaborations with other contestants on the album “Fabulous Four.”.
7. LV Rеvanth – Sеason 9 (2016-17)
LV Rеvanth, who is recognized for his heartfelt singing and ability to sing in both Tеlugu and Kannada genres of music, was victorious in Sеason 9. After winning ₹25 lakh and a Mahindra KUV100, LV Rеvanth’s career flourished with many successful songs in regional cinema. His performance of “Manohari” from “Baahubali: The Beginning” is still loved by fans.
8. Salman Ali – Sеason 10 (2018)
The unique voice and powerful performances made Salman Ali the winner of the Indian Idol Season 10. He won a prize of ₹25 lakh and a Datsun Go car. He received a prize of ₹25 lakh and a Datsun Go car. Salman found success in Bollywood with tracks such as “Sab Badhiya Hai” and the title song of “Chandragupta Maurya”. His position in the music industry was further solidified by his tenure as a mentor on “Superstar Singer”.
9. Sunny Hindustani – Sеason 11 (2019-20)
Sunny Hindustani’s rise from shining shoes at a Bathinda railway station to winning Indian Idol Season 11 captured the nation’s attention. Sunny’s heartfelt singing earned him a song deal with Shankar Ehsaan Loy, along with winning ₹25 lakh and a Tata Altroz car. His ascent to fame represents the victory of talent and perseverance.
10. Pawandееp Rajan – Sеason 12 (2020-21)
The 12th Indian Idol winner was Pawandееp Rajan, a talented musician from Uttarakhand. In the show, he won the hearts of the judges and the public with his true performance and superb skills in playing musical instruments· For his singing skills, he received a cash reward of INR 25 lakh and a Maruti Suzuki Swift.
11. Rishi Singh – Sеason 13 (2022-23)
Rishi Singh, with his beautiful voice and confident stage presence, came out on top in Season 13 of Indian Idol. Rishi’s rise to national fame, starting from Ayodhya and culminating in winning ₹25 lakh and a brand new Brеzza car, showcases the show’s talent-nurturing potential. His potential in the field of playback singing looks optimistic, contributing to the tradition of Indian Idol champions.
12. Vaibhav Gupta – Sеason 14 (2023-24)
Vaibhav Gupta, hailing from Kanpur, won the title in Season 14 of Indian Idol, displaying his singing skills and stage presence. After winning ₹25 lakh and a Maruti Suzuki Brеzza, Vaibhav hopes to sing for Bollywood celebrities such as Salman Khan and Vicky Kaushal in his dreams. His win demonstrates the program’s continued tradition of finding and supporting outstanding talent.
Conclusion
Indian Idol has been a splendid platform for the aspiring singers of the country. With each season that comes, it witnesses a versatile talent that helps in creating successful music careers. From the revolutionary win of Abhijeet Sawant to the latest of Vaibhav Gupta, every winner here has created an impact and inspired millions to chase their dreams and be music idols.
Hina Abbasi is Editor and a passionate sports and entertainment content writer at WinnersMaze.com. Hina’s expertise spans across a wide range of sports, and interest in many TV shows allowing her to deliver insightful analysis and compelling stories that resonate with readers.